Directs the department of agriculture and markets to increase the number of regional farmers' markets for the direct marketing of foods and produce produced in the state.
Summary
This bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to direct the Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop and facilitate the establishment of additional regional farmers’ markets. The stated purpose is to promote the direct marketing of farm and food products on a wholesale or bulk-sales basis to large-volume purchasers of agricultural goods.
The bill also specifies that, whenever possible, these regional farmers’ markets should be located in areas with poor access to high-quality, reasonably priced food and farm products, including food deserts. It further contemplates markets that serve retailers or other bulk purchasers located in or serving underserved communities. The department is authorized to coordinate with the New York State Urban Development Corporation and the Empire State Development Corporation to carry out this effort.
Impact
The bill would add a new subdivision to section 284 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, expanding the department’s role from general market support to active development and facilitation of regional farmers’ markets. It would not create a new regulatory program for private parties, but it would direct state agencies to support market creation and interagency cooperation, especially in underserved areas. The practical effect would be to encourage more wholesale and bulk distribution channels for New York farm products and potentially improve food access in food desert communities.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears generally supportive of agriculture, local food distribution, and food access goals. There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support is documented. The framing of the bill suggests a positive policy orientation toward farmers, regional food systems, and underserved consumers.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided record because there are no committee transcripts or votes. Potential areas of debate, based on the bill’s structure, could include whether the state should prioritize wholesale farmers’ markets over other food access strategies, how locations would be selected, and the extent of coordination or resource commitments expected from state development agencies. Any concerns would likely center on implementation, funding, and whether the markets would effectively serve food deserts and large purchasers as intended.
Same As
Directs the department of agriculture and markets to increase the number of regional farmers' markets for the direct marketing of foods and produce produced in the state.