A bipartisan measure that seeks to boost the state’s economy and
local farming by requiring state agencies to purchase 20 percent of its food
supplies from New York-based sources has been approved by the state Senate.
Known as the “Buy from the Backyard
Act” (S.3918), the measure would expand an existing program that promotes local
agriculture in state offices, colleges, hospitals and prisons. It was sponsored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie.
“As chair of the Senate Agriculture
Committee, I know it is essential to get more people to eat local not only for
health reasons, but also to support the tens of thousands of hardworking
farmers across New York State,” said Ritchie. “The state government’s
purchasing power is a great way to make a difference in helping grow New York’s
leading industry.”
New York-produced milk, vegetables and
other local products are now available in state lunchrooms thanks to an effort to increase the amount of local farm goods sold in state
office buildings, which serve more than 40,000 workers and guests each day.
The bill was sent to the Assembly, where
it is sponsored by Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
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