New York Senate Bill S05117

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes in the department of agriculture and markets a program to purchase fresh produce from farms located in the state and distribute such produce to areas determined by the commissioner of agriculture and markets to be food deserts; promotes opportunities for farm ownership among under-represented farmers, including farmers who are black, indigenous, or people of color.

Summary

Bill S05117 aims to amend the agriculture and markets law in New York to establish a program that purchases fresh produce from local farms and distributes it to food deserts within the state. The bill defines food deserts in accordance with USDA guidelines and mandates the commissioner of agriculture and markets to set eligibility criteria for both recipients and participating farms. The program is designed to ensure that fresh produce reaches underserved areas while also promoting market opportunities for farmers from under-represented communities, including Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will create a structured program within the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets that directly addresses food insecurity in designated food deserts. It will facilitate the distribution of fresh produce to areas lacking access to healthy food options, thus potentially improving public health outcomes. Additionally, it will support economic development by providing opportunities for under-represented farmers to participate in the agricultural market, which may lead to increased farm ownership and sustainability within these communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S05117 appears to be positive, as it addresses critical issues of food access and equity in the agricultural sector. Discussions indicate a recognition of the importance of supporting local farmers and ensuring that marginalized communities have access to fresh produce. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and funding of the program, which have not been fully addressed in the current text.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the criteria for designating food deserts and the potential challenges in ensuring that the program effectively reaches the intended communities. Some stakeholders may question how the eligibility criteria for both recipients and farms will be developed and enforced, particularly in ensuring that the program does not inadvertently exclude certain groups. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the adequacy of funding for the program and its long-term sustainability.