NY S02407

Establishes the Farm Ownership Succession Planning Program (FOSPP) to be created by August 1, 2024, with the first forum held by October 1, 2024, in coordination with the Department of Economic Development and Department of Financial Services.

Requires FOSPP to develop a succession planning toolkit including financial resources for prospective farmers, education programs, state economic development funding, farm equipment vendors, farm labor laws, and insurance and financial services regulations.

Directs FOSPP to create statewide live and virtual forums linking retiring farmers with prospective new farmers and providing information on farming business opportunities, farm purchasing, and existing farming collaboratives.

Mandates the commissioner and Department of Economic Development establish an outreach plan to chambers of commerce throughout New York and adjacent states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts) by August 1, 2024, with submission to the governor, legislature, and state diversity officer.

Authorizes establishment of a 10-member diversity in farming advisory task force, chaired by the agriculture commissioner, to ensure FOSPP reaches prospective farmers from protected classes and underrepresented communities, with appointments made within 120 days of enactment.