Governor signs bill to connect the dots between farmer & consumer

Hinchey law creates public directory of New York farms & farm products to expand access to fresh, local food

 

Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) today announced that her bill (S6330A) authorizing NYS Agriculture and Markets to develop and maintain a public online directory of New York farm businesses and their products has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The measure, which passed the State Legislature unanimously in the 2021 session, aims to increase farmer profitability while expanding access to fresh local food for New Yorkers across the Empire State.

“We are witnessing a resurgence of the local food movement — a time when locally grown, harvested, and produced food has never been more valued and appreciated in New York State and across our nation. If there was ever a more opportune moment to connect the dots between farmer and consumer — it’s now,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “My bill to create a centralized online directory of New York farms and their products will make it easier for families, schools, restaurants, and other key consumer stakeholders to buy New York-grown food directly from local producers. Anyone who enjoys eating local and supporting small businesses stands to benefit from this legislation, and I thank Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”

Jeff Williams, Public Policy Director, New York Farm Bureau said, “Customers across the board, from individual consumers and restaurants to schools and large institutions, are eager to purchase New York grown and produced food. This was especially evident during the early days of the pandemic when national supply chains were disrupted. The legislation Gov. Hochul signed into law will establish a database, opening the door wider for farms and food processors to connect with new customers. This will provide economic opportunity while making it easier for New Yorkers to buy local. New York Farm Bureau thanks Gov. Hochul and the bill’s sponsors, Senator Hinchey and Assembly Member Septimo, for their support.”

Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance said, “New York City’s restaurants and bars share a symbiotic relationship with our state’s farmers and producers, where we purchase, cook, prepare, and serve their fresh, locally grown and produced foods and products. Senator Hinchey’s important legislation creating a public online directory will allow farm businesses and eating and drinking spots to better connect to strengthen their relationships, spur economic development, and ensure that consumers throughout New York have access to delicious, fresh, and local food. Thank you, Senator Hinchey, for your leadership and support of New York’s food system and economy, and we greatly appreciate Governor Hochul’s strong support.”

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Senator Michelle Hinchey represents the 46th Senate District, which includes Greene and Montgomery Counties and parts of Albany, Schenectady, and Ulster Counties. Senator Hinchey serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Energy and Telecommunications, Environmental Conservation, and Local Government Committees.