NY Bill Inspired By Farmers To Make It Easier To Sell Produce To Local Schools

A bill approved in the state Assembly last week inspired by St. Lawrence County farmers would make it easier for schools to purchase local produce for meals at school.

The Assembly voted 140-1 to pass legislation (A6182) that will allow school districts to purchase products from associations of growers as long as they are for purchases of under $25,000 without needing the approval of the commissioner of education. The bill has also been passed by the state Senate and has been sent to the governor for his review.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, who sponsored the legislation, said it stemmed from a request from St. Lawrence County farmers, who were finding it challenging to sell their products to local school districts due to the bureaucratic hurdles.

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