(ALBANY, NY) – Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) today announced passage of two pieces of legislation she co-sponsored that will help promote New York state agriculture by expanding the Pride of New York locally-produced food program to retailers, wholesalers and restaurants.

The Shop: Pride of New York program (A.9868/S6964) 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/S6965) will promote restaurants meeting the ingredient requirements as required by the program. For example, retail food sellers are eligible for Shop: pride of New York membership if they sell or offer at least 20 different foods and/or food products that are New York products. This will help consumers identify retail sellers offering New York state grown foods.

“Anything we can do to help promote New York state agriculture is a positive thing,” Lupardo said. “Agriculture is central to the economy of upstate New York. We have nearly 7.2 million acres of farmland with nearly 36,000 farms – that’s almost one quarter of our land area. We hope this will send a message that consumers appreciate businesses that use food from New York state farms. This is a great way for New Yorkers to take part in this vital industry. And people feel better buying food that’s closer to home.”

Lupardo is hopeful that the legislation will pass in the Senate before session is over and go to the governor for his signature.