Bill > S08243

This bill amends the agriculture and markets law regarding the produce security fund, which is a financial resource designed to protect agricultural producers. Currently, when the fund exceeds a certain amount, the collection of security fund fees can be suspended. The bill increases the threshold from four million dollars to six million dollars, meaning the commissioner of agriculture and markets must suspend fee collection if the fund exceeds six million dollars 120 days before the start of the next licensing year. The bill also adds a nuanced provision allowing the commissioner to continue collecting fees if the fund, when adjusted for inflation, does not provide the same level of protection to producers as previously established. This change aims to ensure that the produce security fund remains financially robust and can adequately support agricultural producers while preventing unnecessary fee collection when the fund has sufficient resources. The amendment provides more flexibility to the commissioner in managing the fund and protecting the interests of agricultural producers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8243