Section 180-A. General functions

There is hereby created an agricultural
  economic development program, the purpose of which shall  be  to  target
  and promote:
    1.  agricultural  resources  industry  development  in  ways which are
  economically sustainable and environmentally sound;
    2. public awareness and understanding of the  economic,  cultural  and
  environmental importance of New York agriculture;
    3.  the  development,  retention, diversification and expansion of the
  agricultural resources  industry  in  ways  that  will  enhance  related
  efforts  of  federal, state and local agencies, commissions, committees,
  associations, trade groups and manufacturers;
    4. electronic and other information shared related to the  agriculture
  resources industry;
    5.  the  development  of  financing  mechanisms for the establishment,
  retention, diversification and expansion of new and existing value added
  agricultural products for sale  in  local,  national  and  international
  markets;
    6.  demonstration  projects which would improve business profitability
  in the marketing, processing, storage  or  manufacture  of  agricultural
  products;
    7.  the  review  of  any  regulatory  barriers  which  may  impede the
  development, retention, diversification or expansion of the agricultural
  resources industry;
    8. geographically balanced public input and  advice  from  individuals
  and   agencies   directly  involved  with  the  production,  processing,
  manufacturing and storage  of  agricultural  products;  and  such  other
  individuals and agencies as may be engaged in state and local activities
  in support of economic development in the agriculture resource industry;
  and
    9.  all  things  necessary  or  convenient to carry out the functions,
  powers and duties expressly set forth in this article.