By Blake Jackson
One year after implementing Executive Order 32 to boost local food sourcing, Governor Kathy Hochul announced at the 2024 Great New York State Fair that New York State agencies have exceeded the first-year goal of five percent, achieving nearly 15 percent.
Signed on the opening day of the 2023 Great New York State Fair, the Executive Order aimed to increase the proportion of food sourced from New York farmers to 30 percent within five years.
This initiative is part of Hochul's strategy to enhance the state's food system resilience and support local agriculture.
“We’re so lucky to have access to some of the best food in the world, grown and produced right here in our own backyard,” Governor Hochul said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our state, which is why we made a promise one year ago to increase the amount of food State agencies must buy from local growers and producers. In just one year alone, we’re already ahead of schedule in continuing to invest in New York’s growers and producers, and we’re not stopping there. We will continue taking action to support our farmers and the future of our agricultural industry for decades to come.”
The Executive Order mandated that the Office of General Services (OGS) prioritize New York producers in its food contracts.
Agencies are required to report their food purchases to ensure compliance with the 30 percent goal. The incremental targets include five percent by the end of 2023, 15 percent by the end of 2024, 20 percent by 2025, 25 percent by 2026, and 30 percent by 2027.
In 2023, state agencies purchased about $78 million in New York food products, up from $14.9 million in 2022.
The Procurement Working Group, formed under the Executive Order, includes representatives from various state agencies and aims to boost local food purchases and streamline procurement processes.
Additionally, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball emphasized, “New York farmers should always be our first and best customers.”
OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy noted the success in exceeding the first-year goals and expressed pride in supporting local farmers.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to connect farmers to new markets and strengthen the local food supply chain, supported by programs like Farm-to-School and Nourish New York.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: New York, Government & Policy