New York Senate bill passed establishing the Office of Urban Agriculture to support urban farming

The Office of Urban Agriculture: This bill, S2415, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey would establish an Office of Urban Agriculture to assist with and promote various forms of urban farming throughout the state.

Excerpt:

(Albany, NY) Today, the Senate Democratic Majority will pass a package of legislation that aims to support farmers and food producers around New York State. The bills passed establish the Office of Urban Agriculture to support urban farming, expand the definition of land use in agricultural production, establish a farming hotline to help connect farmers to resources to expand their farming operations, create procurement goals for New York State products purchased by state agencies, expand regional farmers’ markets, and establish carbon farming tax credits.

“Farmers have always served as the backbone of America and they have always played an important role in New York State,’’ Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “I am proud of the Senate Majority for putting forth and passing this legislation that reaffirms our commitment to the people who produce our food. From every corner of New York State, agriculture plays an important role in our lives as well as economy, and is something we must always make an effort to protect and support. I thank Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and the bill sponsors for their work on this important legislation”

Read the complete article here.