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Statutory Text: New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law (AML) § 305-a(1)(a) provides that local governments “shall not unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations within agricultural districts in

1. Black-Letter Context: What Local Law 202 Actually Does— 2.1 AML § 305-a: Text, Purpose, and “Right-to-Farm” Framework

e reported to produce the vast majority of foie gras in the United States.) When NYC passed Local Law 202, it posed an obvious threat to their business: New York City’s restaurants are a major market

1. Black-Letter Context: What Local Law 202 Actually Does— 2.2 The Farmers’ Petition: Hudson Valley Foie Gras & La Belle Farm

Investigation: Over 2021–2022, the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYSDAM) gathered information on the dispute. This likely included reviewing the full legislative record of Local Law 202 (he

1. Black-Letter Context: What Local Law 202 Actually Does— 2.3 NYSDAM’s Investigation and Final Determination (December 2022)

After the NYS Agriculture Commissioner issued the December 2022 Final Determination ordering NYC not to enforce its foie gras ban, New York City promptly challenged that decision in court. The City co

1. Black-Letter Context: What Local Law 202 Actually Does— 3.1 Procedural Posture and Timeline