Bill > S08707

This bill establishes a new program to provide farm security resiliency grant awards to farm employers who have experienced financial losses due to specific weather events. These eligible weather conditions include high winds, excessive moisture or precipitation (like hail, flooding, or heavy snow), drought, extreme temperatures, widespread fires, or any other severe weather that significantly impacts farm income. Eligible losses can encompass lost wages, destroyed crops or livestock, ongoing business costs, replanting expenses, replacing livestock feed, and repairing or replacing damaged infrastructure or equipment. A new Farm Security Resiliency Grant Awards Board will be created within the Department of Agriculture and Markets, composed of seven members including state officials and representatives from agricultural organizations and farmers. This board will review applications and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, who will ultimately approve or deny grant awards. The grants will reimburse farm employers for up to 50% of their uninsured or uncovered eligible losses, with a maximum award of $150,000 per applicant annually. The bill also outlines the application process, requiring documentation of losses and farm income, and mandates an annual report from the board to the governor and legislature detailing grant awards and program improvements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8707