Authorizes and directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct a study on climate resilient crops and climate smart farming practices; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and legislature within one year with recommendations for legislation and administrative programs.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7931
SPONSOR: Cunningham TITLE OF BILL:
An act to authorize and direct the commissioner of agriculture and
markets to conduct a study on climate resilient crops and climate smart
farming practices
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To address threats of climate change to agriculture by exploring climate
resilient crops and climate smart farming practices, which would allow
farmers to adapt their work to the changing climate.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct
a study on climate resilient crops and climate smart farming practices.
The study may include but is not limited to: examining genetics, tech-
nology and management to decrease yield gaps, and the results on locally
grown food, job creation, educational opportunities, and the environ-
ment. After one year, the commissioner shall report to the governor and
legislature with recommendations for legislation and administrative
programs relating to the mission.
Section 2 provides for an immediate effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
N/A
JUSTIFICATION:
In the State of New York, concerns are growing about the impacts of
climate change on agriculture and food security. Climate change is
bringing about various challenges to traditional farming practices,
including extreme weather events, shifting temperature and precipitation
patterns, and increased pest and disease pressures. These changes pose
significant threats to crop yields, farm profitability, and the overall
stability of the agricultural sector. This bill aims to address these
challenges by authorizing and directing the commissioner of agriculture
and markets to conduct a comprehensive study on climate resilient crops,
allowing for environmentally-responsive farming practices. The study
seeks to explore various aspects of climate smart farming, including
genetics, technology, and management techniques that can help farmers
adapt to the changing climate and decrease yield gaps.
A report of recommendations for legislation and administrative programs
will be delivered to the governor and legislature, allowing the findings
from the study to be translated into actionable policies and initi-
atives. This will in turn allow the state to take proactive measures to
bolster our agricultural sector's resilience and adaptation to climate
change.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
7931
2023-2024 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
August 4, 2023
___________
Introduced by M. of A. CUNNINGHAM -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture
AN ACT to authorize and direct the commissioner of agriculture and
markets to conduct a study on climate resilient crops and climate
smart farming practices
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. 1. The commissioner of agriculture and markets is hereby
2 authorized and directed to conduct a study on climate resilient crops
3 and climate smart farming practices. The purpose of this study shall
4 include but not be limited to examining genetics, technology and manage-
5 ment to decrease yield gaps in farming and examining the effects climate
6 resilient crops and climate smart farming practices would have on access
7 to locally grown food, job creation and educational opportunities, and
8 the impacts on the environment.
9 2. Within one year of the effective date of this act, the commissioner
10 of agriculture and markets shall deliver a report to the governor, the
11 temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the
12 minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the assembly.
13 The report shall include recommendations for legislation and administra-
14 tive programs related to climate resilient crops and climate smart farm-
15 ing practices.
16 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11930-01-3
