BILL NUMBER: S4754
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to estab-
lishing the office of urban agriculture
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA:
To establish an Office of Urban Agriculture to assist with and promote
various forms of urban farming throughout the state.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the heading of article 2-C of the agriculture and
markets law to read "Office of Urban Agriculture."
Section two amends section 31-f of the agriculture and markets laws by
replacing the terms "community garden" and/or "garden" with "urban agri-
culture." It further expands the definition of what it means to promote
and foster growth in urban agriculture.
Section three amends section 31-g of the agriculture and markets laws to
include definitions for "community supported agriculture partnerships."
Section four amends section 31-h of the agriculture and markets laws by
redefining the duties of the Office of Urban Agriculture (including
working with municipalities and land banks).
Section five amends section 31-i of the agriculture and markets laws by
detailing the use of state or municipality-owned land for urban agricul-
ture.
Section six amends section 31-j of the agriculture and markets laws by
replacing the Community Gardens task force with the Urban Agriculture
task force.
Section seven amends section 31-k of the agriculture and markets laws by
requiring the department to establish a website and interactive map to
promote programs of the Office of Agriculture.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Urban agriculture creates an avenue for urban communities, with limited
access to fresh produce, to grow their own fresh, healthy food. Urban
agriculture includes, but is not limited to, urban farms, community-sup-
ported agriculture, and community gardens (now redefined). These agri-
cultural programs provide health, educational, economic, and social
benefits to the communities they serve. They help to provide low-cost,
easily accessible, nutritious food items to communities that either
cannot afford them or do not find them regularly available. Other, long-
term benefits of local urban farming include reduced carbon emissions
and improved air quality.
The creation of the Office for Urban Agriculture will support and help
facilitate various efforts to create and uphold urban agriculture
programs around the state. The office will serve as a resource for resi-
dents by creating an interactive website that provides information and
resources on urban farming and available state- or municipality-owned
land available for use/cultivation.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S8059 - Passed Senate
2023-24: S2415 - Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law, with immediate provisions for adding, amending, or repealing
any rules necessary for implementing the new law.

Statutes affected:
S4754: 31-f agriculture and markets law, 31-i agriculture and markets law, 31-j agriculture and markets law