NY S01723

Establishes a youth development agriculture technology challenge competition for elementary, secondary, and higher education students coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Markets as part of the state fair.

Requires coordination with Cornell Cooperative Extension and partners including institutions of higher education, school districts, youth agricultural organizations, and science/technology/engineering/mathematics and robotics programs.

Challenge directs students to develop solutions to agricultural problems including food production, energy efficiency, farming costs, and environmental impacts such as climate change and pollinator loss.

Authorizes the Department to use state fair appropriated funds and accept gifts and donations for the challenge, deposited in a special fund under joint custody of the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance and State Comptroller.

Requires the Department and partners to identify resources and training for underserved rural and urban students, establish competition deadlines and categories, and determine judging criteria, with prizes available for winning submissions subject to fund availability.