New York Senate Bill S00795

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

Relates to types of New York grown, produced or harvested milk products included in the definition of surplus agricultural products for the purposes of the Nourish New York program; directs that such term include New York grown, produced or harvested milk, and milk products, including but not limited to two percent fat milk and whole milk.

Summary

S00795 amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to expand the definition of “surplus agricultural products” for the Nourish New York program. Under the bill, New York-grown, produced, or harvested milk and milk products would expressly qualify as surplus agricultural products, including but not limited to two percent milk and whole milk. The measure is framed as a clarification and expansion of the types of dairy items that can be distributed through the program. The bill is tied to the existing Nourish New York framework, which connects New York agricultural producers with food relief organizations. By adding milk and milk products to the statutory definition, the bill would make more dairy products eligible for purchase and distribution through the program, potentially increasing support for New York dairy farmers while also broadening the range of nutritious foods available to food banks and similar providers. The bill takes effect in coordination with a related 2024 chapter law on surplus agricultural products and processed products.

Impact

This bill would amend section 451 of the Agriculture and Markets Law to include New York milk and milk products within the definition of surplus agricultural products for Nourish New York. The practical effect is to authorize or reinforce the use of program funds for dairy products, expanding the pool of eligible agricultural goods that can be procured from New York producers and distributed to food assistance networks. It would affect dairy farmers, food banks, hunger-relief organizations, and state agencies administering the program.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a supportive, program-expanding proposal aimed at strengthening both food assistance and the dairy sector. The tone of the legislation suggests a generally positive policy intent, with no recorded dissent in the supplied history.

Contention

The bill text itself does not identify any explicit points of contention, and no committee discussion or votes are available to show disagreement. Potential issues, if raised, would likely center on whether expanding eligible products for Nourish New York increases program costs, how dairy products fit into food distribution logistics, and whether the change meaningfully benefits New York producers and hunger-relief efforts. However, none of those concerns are documented in the provided record.