CONGERS – State Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland-Orange counties) Friday announced legislation that would preserve, promote and grow New York’s local farms.  Any restaurant that buys produce from within a 100 mile radius of their establishment would receive tax credits, he said.

“This goes a long way to promote our family farms in New York State to make sure that we are getting local, fresh produce and also helps our businesses and helps to make sure we keep employed the tens of thousands of people that work on family farms throughout New York State,” he said.

Under Carlucci’s proposal, for every $1,000 worth of local produce purchased, restaurateurs would receive a $100 tax credit.

The freshman lawmaker pointed to the black dirt region of southern Orange County as an example of the agriculturally rich Hudson Valley.