Assembly Speaker Silver and Agriculture Committee Chair William Magee today announced passage of two measures that will expand the Pride of New York locally-produced food program to retailers, wholesalers, and restaurants.

"These programs are the best of both worlds - they support our local farms and food producers and let New Yorkers know when their local restaurants and markets are using New York products," said Silver. "In passing this legislation, we are supporting local businesses."

"This extension of the successful 'Pride of New York' program will help consumers locate where they can find New York State products and encourage more businesses to locally source," said Magee. "These programs are good for New York's food producers and ensure that more fresh, locally-produced food makes it onto our dinner tables."

The Shop: Pride of New York program (A.9868/Magee) will promote wholesale and retail sellers that offer New York state grown and/or processed food items. The Dine: Pride of New York program (A.9877/Magee) will promote restaurants meeting the ingredient requirements as required by the program.

The Assembly has a long history of developing legislative initiatives to promote purchases of local foods and support for local farms, including the Direct Marketing law, Rural Revitalization Act, local food purchasing incentive laws for State and local governments and schools, and the Farm-to-School Program. New York State currently has more than 500 farmers' markets and 360 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enterprises.