New York Assembly Bill A04515

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Expands the FreshConnect program, which provides rebates for the purchase of local produce to certain people, to include local produce sold in supermarkets and grocery stores.

Summary

A04515 would expand New York’s FreshConnect program to cover local produce sold in supermarkets and grocery stores. Under current law, FreshConnect provides eligible participants with a two-dollar rebate for every two dollars spent on local produce; this bill would allow that rebate to be used when the produce is purchased at supermarkets and grocery stores, rather than limiting the program to its existing retail channels. The bill defines key terms such as “local produce,” “producer,” and “supermarket or grocery store,” and excludes a range of establishments such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, gas stations, and other nontraditional food retailers. The measure is intended to increase access to New York-grown produce and make the rebate program more useful to shoppers who buy groceries at mainstream retail stores. It would direct the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to expand the program accordingly, and it would take effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for any needed implementing regulations.

Impact

The bill would amend the administration of the FreshConnect program by broadening the locations where eligible local produce purchases can qualify for rebates. It would affect the Department of Agriculture and Markets, participating retailers, local producers, and consumers who qualify for FreshConnect benefits. By extending the program into supermarkets and grocery stores, the bill could increase demand for New York agricultural products and require updated rules, guidance, and retailer participation standards.

Sentiment

The available legislative history shows clear support in committee: the Assembly Agriculture Committee voted 23-0 to favorably report the bill to Ways and Means. That unanimous vote suggests the proposal was viewed positively by committee members, likely because it supports local agriculture and improves consumer access to local produce. No opposing testimony or recorded dissent is included in the provided materials.

Contention

The main policy issue appears to be how far to expand the rebate program and which retail settings should qualify. The bill specifically limits eligibility to supermarkets and grocery stores and excludes many other food-selling venues, which may reflect an effort to keep the program focused and administratively manageable. Any potential concerns would likely center on implementation costs, retailer compliance, and whether the expansion should be broader or narrower, but no explicit objections are shown in the provided record.