New York State Legislation
Good Food NY- S.7638A/A.8091A
The Good Food NY Bill (S.7638-A) updates New York’s municipal procurement law to allow public institutions—like schools, hospitals, and agencies—to consider more than just the lowest bid when purchasing food. Under this bill, contracts can prioritize values such as supporting local farms, advancing racial equity, protecting workers, improving nutrition, ensuring animal welfare, and strengthening environmental resilience. Food grown, raised, or processed in New York State, especially by minority- and women-owned or socially disadvantaged farmers, may receive preference if their bids are within 10% of the lowest price. The bill also requires greater supply chain transparency, making it easier for the public to know where food comes from. By rewarding fair pricing, climate-friendly practices, and healthier food options, the bill helps small and mid-size farmers compete for institutional contracts. At the same time, it strengthens regional economies and ensures communities across New York have access to nutritious, responsibly sourced food
Youth in Agriculture Summer Employment Program- S.592/A.8265
The Youth in Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Summer Employment Program (S.592) creates a statewide initiative to connect young people with hands-on agricultural and entrepreneurial experiences. The program is designed to diversify New York’s agricultural workforce, address food insecurity, and encourage the continuation of culturally significant food production. It provides students—especially those who are socially or economically disadvantaged—with paid summer employment on qualifying farms, farmers markets, and food businesses. Both subsidized and unsubsidized placements are included, ensuring small and mid-sized farms and urban farms can participate even if wages or transportation costs would otherwise be a barrier. Students gain 16–40 hours per week of agricultural work and entrepreneurship training, equipping them with skills to pursue farming, food systems, or business careers. The bill also directs outreach to schools and nonprofits, creates a job portal, and offers information on scholarships and higher education opportunities in agriculture. By investing in young people, this program strengthens the future of New York’s food system and supports farmers across the state.
Establishing a NYS Office of Urban Agriculture- S.4754/A.124
The Office of Urban Agriculture Bill (S.4754) establishes a formal office within the Department of Agriculture and Markets to expand and support urban farming across New York State. The bill recognizes the health, economic, and community benefits of urban agriculture—including urban farms, community gardens, CSAs, and farmers markets—and makes it state policy to promote their growth. The new office will coordinate with municipalities and land banks to identify vacant public land, create a comprehensive inventory, and make this information available through a public website and interactive map. It will also help community groups and farmers access land for both short-term gardens and long-term farm projects, while encouraging partnerships with food pantries, schools, and community organizations. A nine-member Urban Agriculture Task Force will be convened to make recommendations on expanding access, supporting disadvantaged farmers, and addressing food insecurity in urban areas. By institutionalizing urban agriculture, the bill strengthens food access in underserved communities, fosters green job training, and builds more resilient local food systems.