Summary of Bill S 795

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 795
• Title: Relates to types of New York grown, produced or harvested milk products included in the definition of surplus agricultural products for the purposes of the Nourish New York program
• Status: Substituted by A414
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 795 aims to expand the definition of surplus agricultural products within the Nourish New York program to include a broader range of milk products that are grown, produced, or harvested in New York. The intent is to enhance the support for local dairy farmers and ensure that surplus milk products can be utilized effectively to address food insecurity in the state.

Key Provisions

• Definition Expansion: The bill seeks to modify the current definition of surplus agricultural products to encompass various types of milk products, thereby allowing more flexibility in how surplus dairy is handled and distributed.
• Support for Local Farmers: By including more milk products in the surplus category, the bill aims to provide additional avenues for local dairy farmers to contribute to food assistance programs, potentially increasing their revenue and reducing waste.
• Alignment with Nourish New York: The changes are intended to strengthen the Nourish New York program, which focuses on connecting surplus agricultural products with food banks and other organizations that serve individuals in need.

Impact

• Dairy Farmers: New York dairy farmers may benefit from increased opportunities to sell surplus milk products, which can help stabilize their income and reduce losses from unsold inventory.
• Food Insecurity Programs: Food banks and other organizations involved in the Nourish New York program could receive a greater variety of milk products, enhancing their ability to provide nutritious options to those in need.
• Agricultural Economy: The bill could positively impact the agricultural economy in New York by promoting the use of local products and supporting the state's dairy industry.

Legislative Timeline

• January 08, 2025: Bill S 795 was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee.
• January 13, 2025: The bill was ordered to third reading.
• January 22, 2025: Bill S 795 was substituted by A414, indicating that the provisions of this bill may be incorporated into the companion bill for further consideration.

Related Bills

• A 414: This bill serves as both a prior-session and companion bill to S 795, suggesting that it may carry similar provisions or objectives regarding the Nourish New York program and surplus agricultural products.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 795, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on local agriculture and food assistance efforts in New York.