Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) is calling for state funding and support from local lawmakers for much-needed renovations to the Central New York Regional Market. This market plays a crucial role in supporting local agriculture and providing for the community. Despite this, the market is in desperate need of updates to its infrastructure. Much of the facility has not been updated since the 1930s. According to its annual budget, almost all the regional market’s revenue comes from vendor fees. There are currently no local, state, or federal funds set aside to improve the conditions of the market.

Local markets like the CNY Regional Market play a crucial role in New York State’s economy. The state’s agriculture industry brings in roughly $3.3 billion in gross domestic product each year and pays over $1 billion in wages. The regional market sits at an important crossroads between commerce and transportation and serves seven counties in the area. As the region continues to see more businesses move in, it is important that the market be updated in order to handle the increased demand. Lemondes sees the importance of the regional market in the community and believes lawmakers should make every effort to ensure that it is a premier agricultural destination for future generations.

"Few people realize that agriculture is our state’s number one industry and critical to the prosperity of central New York’s economy," said Lemondes "While our state budget continues to grow every year, we continue to ignore important aspects that strengthen our food security, like the Central New York Regional Market. This is why agricultural education is so important. People need to know where our food comes from, how it is grown and how it's delivered. Our lawmakers need to recognize the invaluable role local agriculture plays in our state and take steps to protect it."