BILL NUMBER: S1055
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to estab-
lishing the New York state youth in agriculture and entrepreneurship
summer employment program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish the New York state youth in agriculture and entrepreneur-
ship summer employment program
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section, one amends the agriculture and markets law by adding a new
article 29-A to establish the New York state in agriculture and entre-
preneurship summer employment program.
Section two states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Farmers, aged 35 years or younger, make up less than nine percent of all
farmers across the state. With the average age of New York's farmers at
57 and increasing, it is imperative that we find new ways to bring new
and younger individuals into the farming trade.
The New York State Youth in Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Summer
Employment Program will create a government subsidized grant program
where students are paid to work on farms and form-to-consumer retailers.
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Black, Indigenous, and
people of color (BIPOC) farmers and producers make up just 1.3% of
producers in New York state. This legislation recognizes the need for
racial equity in the next generation of farmers by prioritizing low-in-
come and socially disadvantaged students for employment.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how broken our in-state food system
truly is as well as what happens when we're not self-sufficient in food
production. This bill will help young farmers successfully enter an
incredibly capital-heavy industry, gain knowledge and hands-on experi-
ence, preserve farming as a livelihood, increase access to healthy,
nutritious food, and revitalize New York state's economy and food
supply.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S7678A - 2021/22 REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on Its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.