BILL NUMBER: S1474
SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction
in agriculture
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill requires all schools in New York State receiving public fund-
ing to provide instruction related to agriculture in elementary, middle,
and high school.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the education law to require all schools receiving
public funding to provide agriculture related instruction to all
students in elementary, middle, and high school. It permits the relevant
boards or commissions the power to craft a curriculum designed to
educate school age children in the relevant processes, practices, and
disciplines in the agriculture and conservation industries.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Agriculture is the largest and most critical industry in the entire
state and similarly the most taken for granted. Therefore, ensuring
future generations are given an opportunity to understand its' impor-
tance with respect to how the industry functions is paramount to the
future stability and economic success of the state and our food stabili-
ty and security initiatives. Children should understand the food-to-ta-
ble process, sustainability, and resource conservation skills so New
York's land and food supply can be well protected and nurtured in the
short and long term. This $3.6 billion industry requires a constant flow
of knowledge and skills from generation to generation, which is why
compulsory agriculture education is required. Last, as our population
increases it will drive land conversion development pressure commensu-
rately; requiring ever more difficult decisions regarding food
production, sustainability and security.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S1222/A4161 Referred to Education
2023: S1222/A4161 Referred to Education
2022: 5.8641 Referred to Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.