NY S06960

Expands the definition of agricultural products to include industrial hemp and products derived from hemp, permitting growth, production, possession, sale, distribution, transportation, and processing in New York State.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish agricultural pilot programs at up to ten sites conducted by the department and/or institutions of higher education to study hemp cultivation, sale, distribution, transportation, and processing.

Requires sites and programs for growing industrial hemp to be certified and registered with the department, subject to federal law authorization.

Directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, to file a written report with state legislative leaders by January 1, 2018 on pilot program success, including cultivation, marketing, processing, and sales of hemp, plus opportunities and barriers to hemp-related businesses.

Takes effect thirty days after enactment, with authority for immediate promulgation of necessary regulations.