Proposal To Boost Buy Local Movement Passes Senate

Albany, NY (WIBX) - A measure aimed at promoting the purchase of locally grown foods passed the state senate. "Buy From the Backyard Act," a bill sponsored by Senator Thomas Libous, (R-C-I, Binghamton), would require state agencies with food contracts to buy at least 20-percent of their food from New York producers.

Tibous predicts that $5.5 billion would be put back into the local economy if every household in the state spent just $15 a week on locally grown and produced products. If the bill becomes law, state agencies that could see a change include, mental health facilities, prisons, universities and state institutions. Officials say the bill--(S.2468)--now headed to the Assembly for consideration, would support the farm community, an industry that's seen better times.