Bill > S06381

This bill establishes a new plant-based agriculture grant program administered by the New York State department of agriculture to help small and medium-sized farms (defined as farms with annual gross income between $0-$999,999) transition from livestock or feed crop farming to plant-based agriculture. The program will provide financial grants and technical assistance to farmers who want to shift their land use, requiring applicants to submit detailed plans that outline their current crops, proposed transition strategy, timeline, and target plant-based production. Grant recipients will be selected through a competitive proposal process and will be required to provide reports demonstrating their successful transition. The bill carefully defines key terms like "plant-based agriculture" (farming that produces plant-based products without livestock involvement), "expert assistance" (help from agricultural scientists and specialists), and "technical assistance" (comprehensive support including outreach, education, project planning, and implementation guidance). The primary goal is to support farmers in diversifying their agricultural practices and potentially reducing livestock-related agricultural production.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6381