Establishes the small farm disaster recovery grant program; provides grants for the purchase and replanting of crops destroyed by natural disaster.
Summary
This bill would create a small farm disaster recovery grant program within the Agriculture and Markets Law, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets in conjunction with the Empire State Development Corporation. The program is intended to provide financial relief to qualifying small farms that have suffered crop losses from natural disasters.
The bill defines a “small farm” narrowly as a farm that sells produce and has annual sales of $100,000 or less. Eligible owners could apply for grants to purchase and replant crops destroyed by a natural disaster. The commissioner would determine eligibility and the amount of assistance needed, with any single grant capped at $10,000. Funding would depend on annual legislative appropriations or other state funds available for the program.
Impact
The bill would add a new section 325-b to the Agriculture and Markets Law and create a new state grant program targeted to a limited class of produce farms. It would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Markets, working with Empire State Development, to review applications, determine eligibility, and award disaster recovery grants for crop replacement and replanting. The program would not create an entitlement; grants could be issued only if funds are available, and the state would need to appropriate money or identify other eligible funding sources.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a supportive agricultural relief proposal with a straightforward policy purpose. Its focus on helping small farms recover from natural disasters suggests generally favorable intent toward farm resilience and disaster assistance. No formal opposition or recorded controversy is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy limits built into the bill are likely to be the most notable points of contention. The program is restricted to produce farms with annual sales of $100,000 or less, which excludes larger farms and farms outside that category, and the maximum grant amount is capped at $10,000. Another possible issue is funding availability, since awards depend on annual appropriations or other state funds, meaning the program could be underfunded or unevenly implemented. No specific stakeholder objections are recorded in the provided context.
Same As
Establishes the small farm disaster recovery grant program; provides grants for the purchase and replanting of crops destroyed by natural disaster.