September 16, 2026
RESOLUTION FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY LEGISLATURE: Whereas the state legislature has passed S.7638/A.8091, also known as the “Good Food” Bill which would allow municipalities and other governmental entities to give procurement preference to products that meet one of multiple standards: local economies, environmental resilience, racial equity, valued workforce, valued agricultural sector, animal welfare, and nutrition if that bid is not more than 10 percent higher than the lowest responsible bidder;
Whereas this bill establishes preferences in state law that don’t reflect regulated farming production methods, and gives no guidance to municipalities and other governmental entities as to how to evaluate whether farms meet any of these criteria and thus can be given procurement preference;
Whereas the sponsors and supporters of this bill have not worked with the ____________ County Farm Bureau or the New York Farm Bureau to ensure their members, New York’s Farmers, support this bill;
Whereas this bill creates a complex and confusing process, both for farmers and governments, which could discourage farmers from bidding at all; and
Whereas Governor Hochul vetoed this bill in 2024 saying “…the requirements of this bill could lead to different standards being applied across localities. The lack of uniformity would lead to negative impacts on local producers, uncertainly for growers, and could have a negative impact on the State’s ongoing programs and efforts.” and no substantive changes have been made to justify a change in position on the bill.
Be it resolved that the _________________ County Legislature supports eliminating barriers to the procurement of more New York farm products, but it is imperative that state law does not contain language that preferences a certain method of producing farm products that differs from state and federal regulation;
Be it resolved that we oppose values-based procurement which arbitrarily elevates certain food over others without utilizing scientifically backed evidence; and
Finally, be it resolved that we urge Governor Hochul to stand by her 2024 veto of this bill and veto S.7638/A.8091.
