13 New Farm Research Projects in New York

By Blake Jackson

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) has initiated 13 new on-farm research projects across New York’s six northernmost counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence.

These efforts, guided by the priorities of the NNYADP’s 80-plus member Farmer Committee, aim to strengthen the region’s dairy, maple, local foods, farm sustainability, environmental conservation, and overall agricultural economy.

Funding for these research projects comes from the New York State Legislature via the New York State Assembly. The NNYADP recently received $300,000 in the 2025-2026 New York State Budget to support its work.

Key supporters of the program include New York State Assemblymembers Billy Jones and Ken Blankenbush, both members of the NYS Assembly Agriculture Committee, chaired by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo.

"The leadership of Assemblyman Billy Jones, New York State Assembly Agriculture Chair Donna Lupardo, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush and their Ag Committee colleagues provides the funding that drives our shared mission to continue to grow northern New York's unique resources as a farm-based economic powerhouse for New York State," said NNYADP Co-Chair Joseph Giroux of Plattsburgh, NY.

"Having grown up on my family's dairy farm, I understand the challenges our farms face on a daily basis. This is why I'm proud to stand up for farmers and secure funding in the budget every year to help continue the great work being done through the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program," Assemblyman Billy Jones said.

"Agriculture is a big part of the fabric that makes up the North Country, and these NNYADP grants will help bring the industry in our region to the next level."

"The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is a model for strategic investment in cutting-edge research, focusing on farm sustainability, local foods, and more. I'd like to thank my colleagues Assemblymen Billy Jones and Ken Blankenbush for their continued advocacy for the NNYADP's funding request. The North Country is a vitally important part of the state's agricultural economy and certainly merits this type of investment," said Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo.

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