ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Cuomo administration is cutting some red tape to make it easier for farmers to comply with pesticide regulations.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the changes will benefit farmers without compromising environmental protections.
The changes came out of a new Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture, which is made up of state agency officials and representatives from the agriculture industry.
Initiatives announced Tuesday will ease the pesticide registration process and speed recertification for pesticide applicators. Another change will simplify pesticide certification categories, making it easier for farmers to diversify or change what they grow.
Jeff Williams of the New York Farm Bureau said the new task force provides a good opportunity for farmers, industry leaders and state officials to talk about regulatory burdens and look for sensible solutions.
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