NY S06273

Allows counties to directly purchase eggs, livestock, fish, dairy products, juice, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables from New York State producers, growers, or associations of producers and growers without competitive bidding requirements.

Limits associations eligible for direct purchase to those comprised of ten or fewer farm owners who operate their farms and combine to fill a county order, with commissioner approval required for larger associations when no other producers have offered to sell.

Caps annual county expenditures for such purchases at the greater of either the standard expenditure threshold in General Municipal Law Section 103 or twenty cents multiplied by the county's total population.

Requires the Commissioner of the Office of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, to promulgate regulations ensuring prices do not exceed comparable local farm products, provide equitable opportunities when multiple producers seek sales, and minimize paperwork burdens on both growers and counties.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.