BILL NUMBER:  S6183

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the New York state urban development corporation act,
in relation to developing local and regional wholesale farmers'
markets to promote foods grown in New York state


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OR BILL :
To provide Economic Development financing for construction and
improvements to wholesale regional farmers' markets.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
Section 1: Adds a new paragraph l to subdivision 1 of section 16-m of
Chapter 174 of the laws of 1968 creating the Urban Development
Corporation (UDC). Paragraph j would authorize the UDC to provide
loans and grants to businesses, municipalities, IDAs, economic
development corporations, not-for-profits, business improvement
districts, regional marketing authorities, agricultural cooperatives
and other entities to finance construction, reconstruction,
improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation of wholesale regional
farmers' markets.

 JUSTIFICATION :
New York farmers produce large quantities of quality fruits,
vegetables, meats and dairy products. Currently, there is an
              

increasing recognition by consumers, restaurants, and chefs about the
taste, quality and freshness of these locally grown farm products.
Unfortunately, most food stores and restaurants in our larger cities
find it difficult to buy food products at wholesale directly from New
York farmers because of the lack of adequate wholesale farmers'
markets even though there is huge potential for sales.

Providing financing for wholesale regional markets for new
construction and renovations to meet the needs of these wholesale
customers would help the farm economy by opening up valuable food
service markets. A recent NYC Wholesale Farmers' Market study found
that "...a New York City wholesale farmers' market would expand
opportunities for mid-size and small producers of food and
agricultural products from New York and adjacent states to sell their
products directly to wholesale buyers in the city and that such a
market facility - similar to those that have operated in NYC in the
past - would also help meet the growing demand by thousands of NYC
restaurants, retail stores, institutions and other wholesale buyers
for locally-grown fresh farm products."

The economic benefits to farm regions from increased sales could lead
to increased business activity and jobs in those communities and new
jobs at the wholesale markets themselves. In addition, businesses and
consumers in urban and suburban communities would benefit from the
fresh, nutritious, quality food and meals available because of these
projects.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2005/06 - A.8001 Referred to Agriculture
2007/08 - A.5025 - Referred to Agriculture

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediate.