Requiring the development of an Emerging Farmers Working Group to adopt programs and initiatives that support emerging farmers in this stat

This law requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to convene an Emerging Farmers Working Group, including urban farmers, to advise commissioner and legislature on development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support emerging farmers in this state. It establishes a state fund dedicated to emerging farmer programming and creates an Emerging Farmer office to support these farmers. Provides for equipment and infrastructure grants for “beginning farmers” administered by commissioner. Moreover, the law requires the commissioner to provide yearly updates to legislature about the emerging farmer programming. This can be a great way for urban farms to receive support and ensure their interests are represented at the state level.