BILL NUMBER: S7394
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to labeling
requirements for native plant seeds
 
PURPOSE:
To establish clear, consistent labeling requirements for native plant
seeds sold or distributed in New York State.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill adds a new section 142-c to the agriculture and markets law.
It would:
*Require seed vendors who label products as "native plant seeds" to
disclose key information on the packaging or at the point of sale.
*Mandate the inclusion of details such as geographic provenance, ecolog-
ical suitability, botanical identification, seed origin and generation,
harvest year, and a traceable lot number.
*Direct the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in consultation
with the department of environmental conservation, to promulgate regu-
lations standardizing terminology, mapping ecological regions, and
enforcing compliance.
*Require vendors to maintain records for at least three years to verify
labeling claims.
*Require the department to make labeling standards publicly available
and provide educational materials through Cornell Cooperative Extension
and other networks.
*Authorize the commissioner to establish additional labeling standards
for specific classes of native plant seeds, as needed.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Native plant seeds play a vital role in restoration, conservation, and
climate-resilient landscaping across New York State. But currently,
there are no standardized requirements for how these seeds are labeled
or described in the marketplace.
As a result, land stewards, municipalities, farmers, and homeowners face
major challenges when trying to purchase ecologically appropriate seed.
Provenance is often unclear. Species may be mislabeled or sold under
vague or misleading terms. And without a way to verify key details-like
where the seed originated or whether it's suited to a particular
region-consumers can't make informed decisions, even when they're trying
to do the right thing.
This bill creates a simple, enforceable framework to bring clarity and
accountability to the sale of native plant seeds. By requiring vendors
to disclose basic information about the identity, source, and suitabil-
ity of native seeds, it empowers buyers, strengthens ecological
outcomes, and supports the growing native plant economy across New York.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 days after becoming law.