A new law in New York will now allow farmers markets to operate in state parks, a move lawmakers say will support local agriculture while improving public access to healthy food.
According to an article by Times Union, the legislation, signed late last month by Gov. Kathy Hochul and sponsored by state Sen. Jose Serrano with co-sponsorship by Sen. Michelle Hinchey, passed unanimously and is designed to link public land with public health.
“I saw a tremendous opportunity to increase access to healthy foods while also supporting our farmers,” Serrano said. A Democrat who represents parts of the South Bronx and East Harlem, Serrano said he hopes the law addresses food insecurity in communities that have “historically lacked access to healthy foods.”
One in seven New Yorkers faces food insecurity, according to Feeding America, with some Hudson Valley counties reporting mid-20% rates.
“The goal of this law is to bring local produce into communities through collaboration with state parks, giving residents another good reason to enjoy our green spaces. It is good public health policy to connect people to two beneficial things: parks and produce,” Serrano added.
The policy reflects a broader shift in how lawmakers view public land, food access and local economics.
“I supported this bill because it’s a way to rethink how our public spaces can support community health through local agriculture,” Hinchey said.
“Food is health care. Maybe I’ve finished a hike and am passing a farm stand on my way out with fresh food, and I decide to cook that for dinner instead of stopping for something quick and cheap at a fast-food chain. … This bill represents a larger paradigm shift in the way we think about food access and supporting farmers,” Hinchey added.
Serrano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation, also emphasized the role of state parks as community hubs.
“As we saw during the pandemic, our parks provide spaces for people to gather,” he said.
“By centrally locating farmers markets in these spaces, I am hoping to see local produce be more easily accessed by the consumer, leading to positive impacts on public health,” he added.
The initiative also arrives at a time when New York farmers face financial pressure from economic challenges.
“This bill will help farmers expand markets so they can reach new customers and increase food access across New York,” Hinchey said.
Farmers have been dealing with higher costs and lower margins, and the added opportunity to sell in high-traffic park locations could offer new revenue streams.
Farmers market organizers view the law as promising but acknowledge logistical challenges.
“Having state parks as an option could lower barriers for new markets that struggle to find affordable, accessible sites,” said Amy Bandolik, manager of the Beacon Farmers Market, which attracts more than 2,500 weekly visitors.
“For existing markets, it could open up opportunities for seasonal expansions or special events that take advantage of the natural draw of park settings. … (That) could increase visibility and customer reach for farmers and make fresh food more accessible to communities that might not otherwise have another market nearby,” Amy added.
However, not everyone is convinced implementation will be easy. “I think many politicians don’t understand all the factors that need to align for a market to be successful,” said Monica Jerminario, administrator of the Hudson Farmers Market.
“It certainly looks like they support local agriculture and small businesses when they pass a law like this. But our farmers are more concerned with losing agricultural land needed for growing and meeting customer demand, not necessarily repurposed space for markets,” Monica explained.
Still, she added, “If groups take advantage of state park space, it will help the local economy, businesses and the community. The more access to — and education about — local agriculture, the better.”
Serrano said early indicators of success will include “increased attendance at farmers markets, access to fresh produce within food deserts, expansion of food supply from local farmers and improved community health.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation will promote participating markets on its website, and organizers expect markets to begin operating in state parks as early as next spring.
This development could influence outdoor recreation by turning state parks into regular community destinations, offering new amenities that enhance visitor experiences and create fresh partnerships for campground operators and RV travelers seeking local food options during their trips.