Bill > A02185

This bill amends the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a new definition for "therapeutic agriculture" to the existing legal code. Specifically, the bill defines therapeutic agriculture as the use of agricultural activities, which include farming, gardening, and animal husbandry, as a method of promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, rehabilitation, and therapy for individuals who have physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or other special needs. The definition is intended to provide a formal legal framework for understanding how agricultural activities can be used as a therapeutic tool in community garden settings, potentially supporting programs that use gardening and farming as part of medical or rehabilitative treatment. The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment, allowing for immediate implementation of this new definition in relevant agricultural and health-related contexts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2185