Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced that legislation he co-sponsored to encourage the transfer of farmland to new and beginning farmers has moved through the agriculture committee (A.2369).

“Providing aid to new and beginning farmers is essential to supporting the future of agriculture,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Our local farmers work tirelessly to provide our families with quality, locally grown produce while strengthening the economy. It’s so important that we do more to help young people break into the industry to pass the farm onto future generations.”

This bill would aid new farmers in establishing themselves by encouraging local governments to support the transfer of farmland to new and beginning farmers as part of their existing farmland protection and comprehensive plans.

Assemblyman Santabarbara noted that he has made it a priority to support the local agricultural industry. This year, he supported a budget that provides an increase of over $12 million for the Department of Agriculture and Markets and funds new programs to help working family farmers upstate. In 2014, total farm sales in New York State exceeded $5.7 billion – a record number and a testament to the hard work of our family farms.

“I look forward to continuing to advocate for our local farmers so that younger generations can carry on their proud traditions and help our economy thrive,” concluded Assemblyman Santabarbara.