The power of collaborating, advocating and working together!!! The Farm to Food Bank tax credit WAS included in the 2017-2018 state budget! The now enacted Farm to Food Bank Tax Credit will assist farmers in donating food into the emergency food system—reducing food waste and getting more food to New Yorkers in need. In short, the bill allows New York farmers to claim up to $5,000 annually through a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of the wholesale value of their donations to emergency food programs. This credit will help cover the steep costs associated with harvesting, processing, and transporting crops, making donations a viable option for New York’s farmers—and getting more fresh food to hungry New Yorkers. And since each maximum credit equals $20,000 of fresh produce, a state expenditure of $1 million would result in $4 million worth of food going to New York’s emergency food programs.

Read more: NYS Budget Includes Farm To Food Bank Bill