Bill > A01179

This bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to establish a Community Gardens Task Force. The task force, chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, will identify and develop ways to encourage state agencies, municipalities, and private parties to establish and expand community gardens. The task force's goals may include studying and making recommendations to encourage community garden development, promote cooperation between community gardens and food assistance programs, increase community benefits, and expand opportunities for seniors and after-school programs. The task force is required to submit a report every five years on the status of community gardens in New York, including an assessment of successes, failures, and barriers, funding sources and requirements, and an action plan to double the number of community gardens in the state.