N.Y. Economic Development Law § 180-a: General functions

§ 180-a. General functions. There is hereby created an agricultural

economic development program, the purpose of which shall be to target

and promote:

1. agricultural resources industry development in ways which are

economically sustainable and environmentally sound;

2. public awareness and understanding of the economic, cultural and

environmental importance of New York agriculture;

3. the development, retention, diversification and expansion of the

agricultural resources industry in ways that will enhance related

efforts of federal, state and local agencies, commissions, committees,

associations, trade groups and manufacturers;

4. electronic and other information shared related to the agriculture

resources industry;

5. the development of financing mechanisms for the establishment,

retention, diversification and expansion of new and existing value added

agricultural products for sale in local, national and international

markets;

6. demonstration projects which would improve business profitability

in the marketing, processing, storage or manufacture of agricultural

products;

7. the review of any regulatory barriers which may impede the

development, retention, diversification or expansion of the agricultural

resources industry;

8. geographically balanced public input and advice from individuals

and agencies directly involved with the production, processing,

manufacturing and storage of agricultural products; and such other

individuals and agencies as may be engaged in state and local activities

in support of economic development in the agriculture resource industry;

9. the establishment and purposes of the New York state council on

food policy established pursuant to subdivision six-a of section sixteen

of the agriculture and markets law; and

10. all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions,

powers and duties expressly set forth in this article.