Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is proud to announce that his Urban Farming Land Initiative, backed by the Schenectady County Food Council, has officially been signed into law. (A.9403) This legislation is a step forward in addressing food insecurity through urban agriculture.

The idea for the bill originated from discussions with the Schenectady County Food Council, where Assemblyman Santabarbara is a founding member. The Council’s mission is to create a community- driven food system that is equitable, healthy, and accessible to all Schenectady County residents.

This new legislation facilitates the creation of community gardens on land bank-acquired properties across New York State. It seeks to repurpose vacant land, particularly in urban areas like Schenectady, to promote sustainable farming practices and help combat the alarming rise in food insecurity. Food insecurity in New York has surged from affecting 1 in 10 residents in 2022 to a staggering 1 in 4 in early 2024.

"The Urban Farming Land Initiative is a transformative solution to help address food insecurity in our state," said Assemblyman Santabarbara. "By turning vacant properties into spaces for growing fresh produce, we empower local communities, promote environmental sustainability, and help boost local economies."

The Urban Farming Land Initiative Act enables greater access to land for urban farming and community gardens, helping to restore underutilized properties while providing residents with the opportunity to grow their own food. The law highlights the urgent need for creative solutions to fight hunger and build stronger, healthier communities.

Leah Egnaczyk, Farms Manager for Sycamore Collaborative, added, “This law opens new possibilities for aspiring farmers and diversifies agricultural opportunities. It's a step towards reimagining the future of farming in urban spaces.”

Sofia Pawlusik, Coordinator of the Schenectady County Food Council, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the bill. “This law will increase access to urban green spaces and empower residents to take control of their food supply, making a real difference in our neighborhoods.”

With the signing of this landmark legislation, communities across New York State can begin to take advantage of the new initiative and work towards building a sustainable, community-driven food system like we are doing in Schenectady County.