The crisis

New York has lost nearly 14% of its farms over the last decade, including almost 9% in just the last five years.

Source: USDA, Census of Agriculture (2022)

Rising costs, climate instability, and federal funding cuts are making it harder for farmers and food businesses to stay afloat.

The opportunity

The New York State Comptroller identified direct-to-institution purchasing as a key opportunity to strengthen farm viability and increase in-state food sales.

Source: New York State Office of the Comptroller, Agriculture Profile (2024)

The problem

The current lowest-bidder mandate prevents many of these purchasing opportunities between local producers and public institutions, which means:

Millions in public food dollars continue to leave the state each year.

Outdated procurement rules continue to prioritize the lowest bidder at the expense of farmers, workers, and local economies.

Institutional markets remain inaccessible to many New York producers.

Our communities deserve more than the cheapest option.

THE GOOD FOOD NY BILL IS BACKED BY FARMERS , UNIONS, FOOD HUBS & DISTRIBUTORS, FOOD BANKS, MUNICIPALITIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS & PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, FOOD COUNCILS & REGIONAL COALITIONS.

The way forward

The Good Food NY Bill provides a concrete solution to:

unlock local markets

meet ambitious local food goals

strengthen labor and worker protections

and drive public dollars back into our local farms and communities.