N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 296: Legislative findings and intent

§ 296. Legislative findings and intent. Agriculture, a leading

industry in the state, is the foundation upon which hundreds of

thousands of jobs are based. Agriculture related employment is found not

only in the production of crops and other basic foods, but also in the

processing, distribution and sale thereof. Rapid changes taking place in

the food and agriculture industry require new approaches in the

research, development, production, processing and distribution of

agricultural products which capitalize on the state's unique resources

and strategic location near significant markets. Failure to keep pace

with such changes would be detrimental to this major state industry and

to the supply of quality food for the public. It is essential that those

engaged in agriculture and related businesses be offered encouragement

and incentives to keep pace with the rapid changes. It is the intent of

the legislature to provide matching grants for projects that will

promote such strategic business undertakings as are necessary to assure

the continued prominence of agriculture as a leading industry in the

state and of the state as a supplier of quality foods.