Senate Bill S4655

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S4655

SPONSOR: METZGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a one-stop farming hotline

 
PURPOSE:

To provide farmers with access to essential and valuable information on
all aspects of farming, namely, tax credit programs, beginning farmer
loans, and sustainable practices.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds a new provision at section 216 of the Agriculture and
Markets law to establish and administer, with the assistance of the
Cornell cooperative extension, a toll free number for the purpose of
addressing issues and questions pertaining to farming.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In recent years, New York State has made significant strides in invest-
ing in programs that aim to help the agriculture industry continue to
grow. And, while these resources-like support for new farmers, informa-
tion on important research, assistance with passing family farms on to
the next generation and others-exist, many aren't aware or don't know
how to utilize them in a way that can help boost their bottom lines.

Through this new measure, a "one-stop" hotline would be created to help
connect farmers with information on resources available to help them
grow their businesses. Developed under the guidance of Cornell Cooper-
ative Extension, the one-stop hotline would offer farmers and those
interested in becoming involved in the agriculture industry with free
information on various topics, including farm management, finances,
grant opportunities, research, marketing and more.

By helping farmers tap into information and resources they can use to be
successful, we can ensure that New York's leading industry continues to
grow.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2015-2016/S7273 Reported and Committed to Rules.
2017- 2018/S2898 Passed Senate

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.