What's happening
This bill establishes a free one-stop hotline for New York farmers to access information and referrals on agricultural resources and programs.
Why it matters
Streamlines access to agricultural support. By centralizing information and referrals for grants, marketing, research, and other resources, the hotline could significantly reduce the time and effort farmers spend navigating various agencies and programs.
Supports farm viability & growth. Easier access to up-to-date information on government and private assistance may help more farmers take advantage of opportunities that can expand or sustain their businesses.
Removes cost barriers. Providing the hotline free of charge ensures that all farmers, regardless of financial situation, have equal access to critical resources and support.
Leverages trusted partnerships. Administering the service with Cornell Cooperative Extension means farmers will access information vetted by a respected institution with deep agricultural expertise, increasing trust and effectiveness.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Create Farmer Support Hotline
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to agriculture
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.469
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to agriculture
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to agriculture
- Delivered to assembly
Show 6 earlier actions
- Passed senateVote 62–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.733
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to agriculture
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Start Farming Hotline
In Assembly Committee · Agriculture · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4655
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 19, 2019
Introduced by Sens. METZGER, RITCHIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agriculture
AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing a one-stop farming hotline
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 16 of the agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new subdivision 50 to read as follows:
50. Subject to an appropriation for such purpose, establish and administer, together with the Cornell cooperative extension, a one-stop toll free number for farmers, agricultural professionals and others to access information and referral services regarding governmental and private programs that assist in establishing and expanding farm and agricultural related businesses. Such information shall include grant opportunities, agricultural research, marketing possibilities and other agricultural resources. Such one-stop service shall be provided at no charge.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10483-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing a one-stop farming hotline
Purpose
To provide farmers with access to essential and valuable information on all aspects of farming, namely, tax credit programs, beginning farmer loans, and sustainable practices.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new provision at section 216 of the Agriculture and Markets law to establish and administer, with the assistance of the Cornell cooperative extension, a toll free number for the purpose of addressing issues and questions pertaining to farming.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
In recent years, New York State has made significant strides in invest- ing in programs that aim to help the agriculture industry continue to grow. And, while these resources-like support for new farmers, informa- tion on important research, assistance with passing family farms on to the next generation and others-exist, many aren't aware or don't know how to utilize them in a way that can help boost their bottom lines.
Through this new measure, a "one-stop" hotline would be created to help connect farmers with information on resources available to help them grow their businesses. Developed under the guidance of Cornell Cooper- ative Extension, the one-stop hotline would offer farmers and those interested in becoming involved in the agriculture industry with free information on various topics, including farm management, finances, grant opportunities, research, marketing and more.
By helping farmers tap into information and resources they can use to be successful, we can ensure that New York's leading industry continues to grow.
Legislative history
2015-2016/S7273 Reported and Committed to Rules. 2017- 2018/S2898 Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.