By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued an important notice regarding the Agricultural Producers Security Program, administered under Article 20 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, which covers the licensing and sale of farm products.
The program requires all dealers who purchase or receive farm products from New York producers exceeding $20,000 annually for resale at wholesale to be licensed.
The law is designed to ensure that producers in New York are paid fully and promptly, provide protection in the event a dealer defaults on payment, and prevent unfair or fraudulent marketing practices.
The Department oversees the licensing of dealers, audits licensed operations, investigates complaints of unfair practices, and enforces compliance with Article 20.
Recently, the Department announced that a licensed dealer has defaulted on payments for wine grapes purchased during the license year from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. Producers who sold grapes to this dealer may be eligible to file a claim to recover outstanding payments.
Claims must be submitted by October 9, 2025. Producers can file claims by downloading forms from the Department’s website, emailing completed forms, or mailing them directly.
For more information, grape growers and other producers can contact the Division of Agricultural Development at 518-457-7076, email FPDL@agriculture.ny.gov, or visit the official site at https://agriculture.ny.gov/licenses/farm-products-dealer-licensing.
This notice highlights the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting New York producers and ensuring fair business practices in the state’s agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: istock-jimfeng
Categories: New York, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Government & Policy