With two bills she sponsors getting approval in the Senate, State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, wants to make entering into farming easier for people new to the profession, boost business for existing farmers and connect consumers with more New York-grown and produced foods.

The first measure, Senate bill 6648, also known as the “Buy From the Backyard Act,” would require state agencies to buy 20 percent of all their food products from producers and processors in New York State. The measure is seen as a way to get more locally grown and produced foods in our state’s hospitals, colleges, offices, prisons and other places, as well as to support local farmers.

Under the second measure, Senate bill 7011-A, the state would be required to develop an inventory of state-owned property that’s prime for agricultural development, making it easier for those new to the industry to find land that’s ready to be farmed. The measure is now headed to the governor’s desk to become law.

“This year we have made great strides in not only strengthening the connection between consumers who are increasingly looking to eat local—and healthy—foods, but also in fostering new opportunities for people who are looking to enter into agriculture careers and produce the nutritious fruits, vegetables and other products people depend on,” said Ritchie, whose district includes the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.

“These measures take us closer to our goals of strengthening New York’s leading industry, and providing a boost for farmers—both new and experienced—across our state,” she sad.

As Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Ritchie says her focus has been on making New York-grown and produced foods more accessible to consumers, as well as to encourage state agencies to increase their use.