The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is the department of the New York state government that enforces laws relating to agriculture, weights and measures, and the production, processing, transportation, storage, marketing and distributing of food.

One significant change Rubin made was to add more people with experience as kosher butchers.

[11][10][12] Based on legislation passed in July 2004,[7] data[13] is submitted by those "involved in the kosher food industry"[14] and also about qualifications of those who provide certification.

[16] The state committee administers the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Abatement and Control Grant Program, the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Base Program, the annual district reimbursement, and provides review and oversight for AEM Planner certification.

[22] In 1935 the Council of Farms and Markets was abolished and the power to appoint the commissioner transferred to the governor.