BILL NUMBER: S5117
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to provid-
ing fresh produce to food deserts in the state
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that food deserts have access to
fresh, healthy foods.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new subdivision 53 to Section 16 of the Agriculture and
Market Laws that establishes a program where the state will purchase
fresh produce from New York farms, including those owned by farmers from
underrepresented communities, including but not limited to farmers who
are Black, indigenous, or from communities of color, and distribute it
to food deserts identified by the commissioner of agriculture and
markets.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that we need new ways to deliver
safe, healthy, New York-grown fruits and vegetables to every zip code in
our state. Too many neighborhoods are lacking access to sites where
people can buy farm-fresh foods- a situation often made worse by low
rates of farm ownership and market participation in under-represented
communities. For example, according to US census data, just over 2% of
farms in New York state are owned by farmers who are Black, indigenous,
or from communities of color. That amounts to just 1,228 out of 57,865
farms.
This bill builds upon the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis,
and the new food pathways we have developed, in order to benefit both
the producers and consumers of New York's fruits, vegetables, and dairy
products. It will help promote food security across New York, including
areas presently underserved by existing agriculture markets.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.330 - Referred to Agriculture
2021-2022: S.1908-A - Referred to Agriculture/A.6381 - Referred to Agri-
culture
2019-2020: S.8468 - Referred to Agriculture
 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the 90th 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.

Statutes affected:
S5117: 16 agriculture and markets law