Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced the passage of three bills in the Assembly aimed at helping promote New York State food and products.

“Agriculture is big business in New York State,” Santabarbara said. “With more families looking to purchase local products, supporting our farms will help keep this industry strong, driving the economy and creating jobs in our communities.”

Farm-to-Senior program

The first bill would establish a Farm-to-Senior program to help bring fresh produce to seniors. The program will help facilitate and promote the purchase of New York farm products by senior centers and other senior communities.

“We should take every opportunity to promote the high-quality food and products coming from New York farms,” said Santabarbara. “Not only will these initiatives help local farmers, they will help our families eat healthier all while lowering our carbon footprint. Everyone wins.”

Pride of New York program

The second bill creates the Dine: Pride of New York program and would create a logo for restaurants where at least 15 percent of the ingredients used or served are from New York (A.2702). Qualifying restaurants can display the logo on their door and website, making it easier for diners to identify restaurants that use local products.

The third bill would bring together representatives from farms, processors, wholesalers, distributors, retail food establishments, the food service industry, academic experts and other state institutions to help grow the state’s agriculture industry (A.2701). Among other initiatives, the council would identify new profitable products for New York farms to pursue and secure any relevant federal and state assistance.

Santabarbara noted that all three bills have passed both the Assembly and Senate, and that he is hopeful that Governor Cuomo will sign the bills into law.