WHEREAS, Article XIV, Section 4 of the New York State Constitution provides that the policy of the State shall be "to conserve and protect its natural resources----" and that the legislature, in implementing this policy, shall provide for the adequate protection of agricultural lands; and
WHEREAS, the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York declares that the agricultural industry vitally concerns and affects the welfare, health and economic well-being of our people, and that it is the policy and duty of the State to promote, foster and encourage agriculture that is sustainable and profitable, to promote and expand demand for the State's agricultural products and the intelligent uses thereof by consumers as pure and wholesome food, and to make our people conscious of the bond of mutual self-interest between our urban and our rural populations; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 13 which established the New York State Council on Food Policy (NYS CFP) said that there are significant environmental, health and economic benefits from expanding agriculture production, including locally-grown food;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York do hereby order as follows:
1. It shall be a goal of the State of New York to achieve the significant environmental, health and economic benefits from expanding production of, and demand for, locally grown food, meaning food products that are grown or processed within the border of New York State.2. When adopting rules and regulations or taking other administrative actions, I hereby direct each State agency to consider; (i) the Constitutional mandate for the protection of agricultural land, (ii) the requirements of the Agriculture and Markets Law to promote and expand demand for the State's agricultural products, including locally grown food and (iii) the goal of achieving the significant environmental, health and economic benefits from expanding production of, and demand for, locally grown food.3. When reviewing and revising any policies (and those of, or applicable to, other State supported institutions, facilities and programs, including public universities, correctional facilities, health, nursing and mental health facilities, public schools and child care facilities) relevant to the purchase of agricultural products, I hereby direct each State agency to take actions, where feasible and without increased cost or burden, and as consistent with current law, to increase the proportion of their total food purchases comprised of locally grown food.4. I hereby designate the first week of October as "Agriculture Week" in the State of New York, during which individuals, restaurants, institutions and markets are encouraged to celebrate the benefits of New York's fresh and nutritious food products, and of agricultural land as a vital natural resource.5. For purposes of this Order, "State agency" shall mean any department, agency, division, commission, bureau or other entity of the State over which the Governor has executive power.6. Public entities not subject to this Order, including public authorities and public benefit corporations, local governments and school districts, are encouraged to review their policies and practices concerning protection of agricultural lands and local food for the purpose of achieving goals similar to those of the Executive Order. The Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of General Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Department of Health are hereby authorized to provide guidance to these entities to assist them in undertaking such activities. Signed: David A. PatersonDated: November 4, 2010
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 7.39