Assembly Passes the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the Assembly has passed the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act to enhance and maintain the health of soil on farms to improve productivity for farmers, protect natural resources, reduce the effect of farming on climate change and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on farming (A.5386-A, Lupardo).

“The success and productivity of New York State farms is essential to the success of our entire state,” said Speaker Heastie. “This legislation demonstrates the Assembly Majority’s commitment to crafting policies that help support our agricultural industry and ensure its continued success for generations to come.”

“The Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act recognizes the vital role agriculture can play in helping the state achieve its climate goals,” said Assemblymember Lupardo. “It starts off with the simple premise that the health and resiliency of New York’s agricultural soil is an important priority. Healthy soil produces healthier foods, mitigates climate change through carbon sequestration, and protects our natural resources.”

The Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act includes the soil health initiative and the climate resiliency initiative. Under the soil health initiative, the Department of Agriculture and Markets in cooperation with the state Soil and Water Conservation Committee and other partners would encourage farmers in urban, suburban and rural communities to adapt soil health practices to optimize soil health. The climate resiliency initiative would encourage the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions on farmland.