Important state budget amendment approved for upstate farmers

The release of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s 30-day budget amendments included an important exemption that will allow farmers in upstate New York to sell products in New York City and return on the same night.

Under the original budget plan, the exemption allowing hours of service traveled was repealed for technical reasons. If the exemption wasn’t approved, farmers would have been forced to restrict their shipments to New York City, increasing costs for consumers as a result. Interstate deliveries will still fall under regulations from the Federal Motor Safety Administration Act under the plan.