Small Farmers & Growers

CANNABIS IS NEW YORK’s NEWEST CROP

Farmers and growers are at the heart of what we do. Our laws and policies should promote small and craft farmers and producers. That’s why NY should act decisively.

Specifically, New York should amend the Agriculture and Markets Law to recognize that all cannabis sativa (hemp and non-hemp) is an agricultural crop.

MAKE SURE FARMERS CAN GROW — ZONING IMMUNITY

In order to avoid mistakes made previously by other states such as Massachusetts, it is imperative that New York’s law expressly provide zoning immunity for growers who are already in agricultural districts, as existing right to farm protections alone are insufficient. Even a crop that one has the right to farm can be prohibited by local planning boards if it’s seen as a threat to the public health and safety - precisely the type of misconception that exists for cannabis given how long it’s been erroneously classified with heroin and other dangerous narcotics.

DIVERSE FARMERS MEANs DIVERSE CANNABIS

When we allow a thousand flowers to bloom (literally), we are increasing the diversity of the crops that are grown, the pollinators they attract and the properties they bring. That means consumers and farmers alike can enjoy strains suited to their soil and climate conditions and the desired properties. This creates a genuine locally-based operation that can meet the needs of all New Yorkers throughout the State. Ensuring that small growers and farmers can operate alongside larger operations helps ensure that New York-grown cannabis is not one-size-fits-all.