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.
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