Agriculture

Provides that the commissioner of agriculture and markets shall have the responsibility to monitor potential weather threats to agricultural production; authorizes the commissioner of agriculture and markets to declare an agricultural weather emergency; directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to maintain a webpage on agricultural weather emergencies; directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in collaboration with the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish an emergency weather alert system to support New York farmers in protecting their crops, livestock and the safety of their workers.

This bill directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct a study on vertical farming within one year of its effective date. The study will examine how vertical farms affect access to locally grown food, job creation, educational opportunities, and environmental impacts. After completing the research, the commissioner must submit a report with recommendations to state leaders including the governor and legislative leaders. The bill does not authorize any new programs or funding but establishes a research requirement to inform future policy decisions.

This bill directs New York's Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to study vertical farming. The study must examine how vertical farms affect local food access, job creation, educational opportunities, and environmental impacts. The commissioner must submit a report with recommendations within one year to the governor and legislative leaders. The bill does not change existing laws but authorizes a specific study to inform future policy decisions.

Bill A 8130 authorizes sellers of petroleum products, including home heating fuel oil, to issue delivery tickets electronically. It allows customers to choose to receive required delivery information, such as quantities and pricing, on a cellular phone, computer, or other personal electronic device. This electronic option is available when the delivery system has the capability to issue such receipts, and it can be provided in lieu of or in addition to a traditional hard copy document. The bill amends existing law that currently requires mechanically prepared metered documents for these deliveries.

Requires the completion of animal cruelty prevention workshops by any person who purchases, acquires or initiates a farm operation on which horses and/or cows are kept.