One of the gifts I received for Christmas was a local food basket, which I much appreciated. It contained locally made sauce and artisan pasta as well as locally grown onions and some locally made candy. My family and I enjoyed it over the holidays. I am always impressed with the quality and variety of our local farm products — cheese, vegetables, wines, and breads.
The good news is our economy is benefitting more from these local products. New York’s agriculture industry recorded $5.68 billion in cash receipts in 2013, up more than $1 billion from 2010. This is great news for our economy and for the agricultural industry. Fortunately, the state has relaxed some regulations and put certain policies in place to help the industry expand in recent years.
I have written about the reduced estate tax before, but it’s worth mentioning again, as it has been made easier for farmers to pass their property on to loved ones without tax penalties up to $2.25 million. Previously, the exclusion threshold was $1 million. By 2019, this threshold will be in line with the federal government’s exclusion threshold, which is currently at $5.25 million. I have advocated for this reform for years and was happy to see it come to fruition. This will create real tax savings for farmers.
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New law reduces acreage requirements
More recently, the governor signed a bill into law that could encourage more farm development. I was pleased to support its passage in the Assembly. Current standards require an area of at least 500 acres to create an agriculture district in a county. Legislation signed into law in November will reduce that requirement to 250 acres. This may give rise to a number of smaller farms to provide local products and jobs. About 30 percent, or 8.8 million acres, of the state’s land is considered agricultural.
Craft Beverage Law cuts requirements
A new beverage law has eased restrictions on craft beverage products, including beer, cider, wine, and distilled liquors. It passed the legislature last session and was signed into law in November. I was pleased to support this in the Assembly. The new law allows producers to conduct tastings and serve “by the bottle” and “by the glass.” It permits farm distilleries to increase the retail outlets where they can sell and offer samples of their products and reduces some costs for small manufacturers. At the time it was signed into law, it was announced that $3 million in grants are being made available to New York’s beverage producers for marketing, promotion, and tourism as well.
Upstate feeding Downstate
In October, the state announced it would provide $500,000 to help downstate, low-income communities buy fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Consumers can use SNAP benefits to pay for food boxes on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Farm organizations have advocated for this type of more official arrangement and investment for years. It makes perfect sense that our upstate farms would help feed New York City residents who obviously have to rely on out-of-town produce. I hope it gives more upstate New York farmers the chance to work more directly with New York City and downstate markets.
Beginning Farmer’s NY Fund
In this year’s budget, we were able to pass the Beginning Farmer’s NY Fund, a pool of grant money allocated to catalyze the careers of emerging farmers. Up to $50,000 is available for new or expanding small farms that reside on less than 150 acres. The state allocated $1 million for this program in this year’s budget. And, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation accepted its first round of applications for the newly created Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Program. Eligible participants will receive awards that provide up to $10,000 in education-loan forgiveness annually for up to five years.
William (Will) A. Barclay is the Republican representative of the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or (315) 598-5185.