S7638A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hinchey that would allow municipalities and schools to pay up to 10 percent more than the lowest responsible bidder for farm products meeting environmental sustainability, animal welfare, nutrition, and local economy standards. The bill, which passed 42-17 on a roll call vote, requires at least 51 percent of products be sourced from New York State and applies only to New York-based businesses. Sen. Hinchey said the measure addresses concerns raised in a gubernatorial veto last year by incorporating existing state agriculture programs including New York Grown and Certified and the Climate Resilient Farming program. She noted that New York City currently purchases food contracts from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and the bill would give the city tools to buy more from upstate farmers. Sen. Borrello, the ranking Republican on the Agriculture Committee, opposed the bill, arguing it creates unnecessary bureaucratic complexity for municipalities and schools that lack expertise to evaluate environmental and social equity standards. He contended the 51 percent sourcing requirement is too low and could benefit large national food distributors over 100 percent New York-based farms. Borrello also noted the New York Farm Bureau remains opposed to the legislation despite amendments. Sen. Hinchey said municipalities and local governments have requested the bill and are excited about it, and that organizations like NOFA strongly support it. The bill has passed the Senate multiple times previously and Hinchey expressed hope it will be signed into law this year.