State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, is highlighting a tax credit farmers can take for qualifying food donations made to food banks and other emergency food programs as of Jan. 1.

“Most of our farmers are already making these vital donations of farm fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks and pantries across the state,” said Ritchie, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

An announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said the tax credit is expected to save farmers a total of $10 million annually. According to the New York Farm Bureau, farmers across the state donated more than nine million pounds of food in 2017, which helped provide more than seven million meals to New Yorkers in need.

The tax credit, which is supported by the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy, is a refundable credit equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of qualified donations up to $5,000. Eligible donations include fresh fruits and vegetables grown or produced in New York State and provided to emergency food programs that qualify for tax exempt status. To claim the credit, the taxpayer must receive proof of the donation in the form of a receipt or written acknowledgment from the eligible food program.

“In providing them this credit, we are not only rewarding them for their kindness, but we are also investing in our state's future,” said Ritchie. “Our farmers will be able to reinvest into their land and ensure they can continue to provide all New Yorkers--especially those who may not otherwise have access--with the healthy foods everyone deserves."

A fact sheet on eligibility requirements for the tax credit is available here.