Hello. I am happy to announce that a bill relating to access to viable agricultural land for new and beginning farmers has been introduced  in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. Thanks to all of you for your input during our conversations over the winter to develop the bill language.
The bill is entitled: “An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the public lands law, in relation to access to viable agricultural land for new and beginning farmers.”
The 2013 bill number is: A.7002/S. 5377. Links to the bill in the Assembly and Senate are as follows:
Assembly:  http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A07002&term=2013&Memo=Y
Senate: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5377-2013
The Assembly bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Magee, chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and co-sponsored by Assemblypersons Gunther; Jaffee and  Brindisi.
The Senate bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Patty Ritchie, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Congratulations! The introduction of these bills in the Senate and Assembly is a major milestone. We look forwarded to working with you to advance the bill and will be in touch to develop strategy.
In the meantime, thanks again and please let us know if you have any questions.
Laura Ten Eyck
Senior Manager of New York Projects & Outreach
American Farmland Trust
112 Spring Street, Suite 207
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 581-0078 extension 300
[email protected]
www.farmland.org/newyork