The State Senate Tuesday passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that would expand local and regional green and farmers’ markets across New York State. 

The bill (S.627) allows the New York State Urban Development Corp. and the Empire State Development Corp. to provide loans and grants that can be used to build, expand and refurbish green markets that encourage the sale of New York-grown produce. Neither corporation currently has that authority. 

“New York grown products are an important part of the Upstate economy, and strengthening our green markets and farmers’ markets will provide bigger, better platforms to bring these products from our farms to consumers across the state,” Senator Valesky said. 

There are hundreds of farmers markets in New York State, and more than 30 in Central New York.