By Blake Jackson
Agricultural representatives gathered in Albany on Wednesday to address New York's state Assembly committee regarding the 2025 budget and its support for the agriculture industry.
The hearing, led by Agriculture Chair Donna Lupardo of Broome County’s 123rd District, was organized to assess the status of traditional commodities like dairy and explore the needs of emerging crops.
“We’re picking some topics that are of interest to all of us. But as you well know we are all committed to agriculture and to our farmers and all of it, what it takes to get food from farm to market,” said Agriculture Chair Donna Lupardo.
Richard Ball, New York’s Agriculture and Markets Commissioner, outlined several key budget-funded programs.
“This year the Governor announced significant initiatives that further grow New York agriculture and strengthen the food system. This includes a new $21.6 million dairy modernization grant program. The enacted New York state budget maintained funding for the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program and the Farmers Market Resiliency Grant program,” New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. “Perhaps one of the most impactful and far-reaching initiatives we have undertaken is the governor’s executive order directing New York state agencies to source 30 percent of their food purchases from New York producers within the next five years. We have already surpassed our first year’s goal. The state also continues to support other key programs that connect our farmers to New Yorkers.”
One of the major initiatives announced was an executive order for state agencies to source 30% of their food from New York producers within the next five years. Ball noted that this goal had already seen promising progress.
Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, representing a district bordering Canada, raised concerns about New York’s relationship with Canada regarding dairy pricing within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Ball confirmed that while New York has made progress, pricing issues remain a potential challenge.
Dr. Carmen Moraru of Cornell University presented economic data showing that agriculture contributes $85.8 billion to New York’s economy. However, high production and labor costs are putting pressure on farmers, with dairy farms in particular declining by 40% over five years.
Ashley Oeser from the New York Farm Bureau acknowledged the budget’s agricultural support but urged further funding for emerging sectors like hemp, hops, and aquaculture. The 2025 budget, due in April, continues to prioritize research, resilience, and market growth to help sustain New York’s diverse agricultural community.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: New York, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle