The state Senate has approved a package of bills aimed at reducing regulations on agriculture in St. Lawrence County and the rest of the state.

The bills passed include:

· S.5160—Allows farmers to claim agriculture exemptions for woodlands that they also use for pasturing. So-called “silvopastures” are not currently eligible to be considered as farmland. The bill is also in the Assembly.

· S.5168—Provides agriculture benefits to small horse farm operations, and helps to encourage the growing equine industry in the state. The bill is also in the Assembly.

· S.5262—Eliminates the requirement for farmers to carry “blue cards” that specify the names of roads on which they will operate registered farm equipment. DMV already limits the areas where farmers can operate their equipment, and the “blue card” requirement is viewed as redundant and outdated.

· S.4718—Streamlines the operations of soil and water conservation districts, and provides more local control over programs to protect soil and water quality, and prevent pollution.

Senator Patty Ritchie, 48th District Republican who is among the sponsors of the bills, said, “Taken together, these bills are yet another signal of the change in attitude in Albany that says ‘jobs first,’ and puts people ahead of the needs of government.”