NY S06868

Establishes the Farm Ownership Succession Planning Program (FOSPP) to be created by August 1, 2022, in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development and Department of Financial Services, with first forum held by October 1, 2022.

Requires FOSPP to develop a succession planning toolkit for farm owners selling or closing farms, including financial resources for prospective farmers, farming education programs, state economic development funding, equipment/supply vendors, farm labor laws, and insurance/financial services regulations.

Mandates FOSPP to create statewide live and virtual forums connecting retiring farmers with prospective new farmers and providing information on farming business opportunities, farm purchase resources, and existing farming collaboratives.

Directs Commissioner of Agriculture to establish an outreach plan to chambers of commerce throughout New York and neighboring states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts) targeting minority business segments, with plan submitted to Governor, Legislature, and Chief Diversity Officer by August 1, 2022.

Authorizes creation of a Diversity in Farming advisory task force of ten members, chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture or designee, to ensure FOSPP reaches prospective farmers from protected classes, with task force established within 120 days of the law's effective date.