NY A00735

Changes the community gardens task force from discretionary to mandatory by requiring the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to convene the task force rather than allowing discretion to do so.

Requires task force membership to include at least two representatives from organizations dedicated to promoting, expanding, or protecting community gardens.

Adds two new goals for the task force: developing after-school programs that establish and maintain community gardens, and encouraging community garden development in food deserts as defined in agriculture law.

Requires the task force to submit comprehensive reports to the governor and legislature on January 1, 2023, and every fifth year thereafter, including information on the number and location of gardens, funding sources, barriers to expansion, and an action plan to double the number of community gardens statewide.

Requires the Commissioner to maintain records and data between report submissions to fulfill reporting requirements and respond to information requests from the governor and legislature.