Relates to responsibilities of the commissioner of agriculture and markets in relation to agricultural weather emergencies

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Christopher Ryan says this is needed

New York State boasts a unique agricultural profile. We lead the nation in the production of dairy goods like yogurt and cottage cheese, as well as other specialty crops that cannot be easily farmed across the coun- try, such as apples, grapes, maple syrup, wool, and more. Because so many New York farmers produce crops or raise livestock that may be considered niche on a national scale, one-size-fits-all weather reports often fall short of addressing our farmers' unique needs. Furthermore, farmers across the nation are facing increasingly extreme weather patterns as climate change rapidly alters our environment and atmosphere. Federal divestment from meteorological research and public weather services has exacerbated the issue, making it difficult for farmers, especially beginners, to secure their farms and livelihoods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides emergency weather alerts for crops that are commonly farmed nationwide, like corn and wheat, but regionally appropriate information on weather emergencies will help build our state's agricultural resiliency. Our farmers deserve timely and specialized resources to help protect their harvest ahead of weather emergencies. This bill directs the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) to monitor weath- er events that pose a threat to New York agriculture especially weather conditions that are not closely reported on by public weather services and to provide targeted resources to support the diverse agricultural ventures of New York. AGM must establish an opt-in emergency weather alert program for farmers to receive email or text alerts tailored to their region and type of agricultural operation. The Division of Home- land Security and Emergency Services currently operates an emergency weather text alert system for the general public, which could serve as a template for this new alert system for farmers. These alerts will include warnings of threatening weather, its potential impact on the farmer's chosen crop or livestock, and recommendations on how to protect their harvest and workers through the worst of the storm. Targeted emergency weather alerts will be a valuable tool for beginner farmers, as well as any farmers who need support navigating changing weather. AGM already compiles some emergency resources online, but real- time alerts that make this information readily accessible could be transformative for farmers that are just learning the trade, so they can fortify their farms when storms, cold snaps, heat waves, and more are heading their way. That way, whether they raise cows, tend orchards, grow tulips, or produce another New York specialty, our farmers will be ready for incoming weather emergencies.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.