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The New York State Senate this week passed legislation sponsored by Senator Pam Helming (R,C,I – 54th District) as part of a comprehensive package of bills that would strengthen and preserve agriculture as the state's leading industry. This bill is the first piece of legislation sponsored by Senator Helming to pass the Senate.

Senate bill 4535 encourages farmers - particularly those located in areas of the state with greater development pressure - to participate in farmland preservation efforts and remain stewards of their land for future generations by changing the maximum acreage for agricultural assessment of farm woodlands from 50 acres to 100 acres.

"Ensuring the future success of New York's agriculture industry has been one of my top priorities since taking office, so it is incredibly rewarding for this legislation to be the first that I have sponsored to pass the Senate," said Helming. "As Senate Chair of the Joint Commission on Rural Resources, I have heard from many farmers and agribusinesses about the challenges they face every day. Protecting our farmlands is critically important to our region's economic growth and stability."

The bills passed this week, including bill S4535, build upon the Senate's ongoing commitment to improving and supporting New York State's agriculture industry. This is among the latest efforts by the Senate to focus on growing New York agriculture from the ground up.

Last week, the Senate passed a budget resolution that included extensive measures that invest in the state's farm workforce, support the next generation of farmers, and help farmers connect to new markets, among other initiatives to support farming's growth.

This bill will be sent to the Assembly.

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