Over the last several years, the agricultural community has navigated unprecedented levels of uncertainty and adversity, from the market and food supply disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to the ever-increasing impacts of climate change.
Still, farmers are dedicated to their work, providing food for our families and making significant contributions to our communities.
New York’s nearly 32,000 farms are among the nation’s top producers of more than 30 commodities, growing and producing healthy and nutritious foods.
From fruits and vegetables to dairy and specialty crops like maple, New York’s agricultural industry is rich in quality and diversity and is a critical driver of the state’s economy.
As we look toward the future, we are working to ensure that agriculture remains an economic driver and that we strengthen the connections between our farmers and consumers here and across the globe.
Over the last few years, the need for a more resilient and reliable food system has come into sharp focus. As we move forward, strengthening the state’s food supply chain and ensuring all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods remains a top priority.
The department has created several new programs that connect New York’s farmers with New Yorkers — including Nourish New York and New York Food for New York Families — and continues to support additional existing programs, such as Farm-to-School and the 30% Initiative. New York’s 2024 budget also included $2 million in funding for community garden programming and a $10 million grant program to support the establishment of farm markets, supermarkets, food cooperatives and other similar retail food stores.
This year, the department was also awarded $30 million from USDA’s Regional Food Business Center Program to establish a Regional Food Business Center that serves the agricultural industry across the Northeast, which will help New York and its neighboring states provide targeted resources to our farmers and food businesses and increase the capacity of regional supply chains.
Additionally, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul set a goal to increase institutional and agency buying of New York state food to 30% of all food purchases by 2028, which would raise the amount we spend on New York food from almost $4 million to nearly $400 million.
Additionally, a $50 million investment over five years will support scratch cooking facilities that will help with the use of fresh New York state farm products in meal preparation for K-12 school children.
Another crucial part of boosting our economy and strengthening our food supply chain is promoting New York growers and food producers through programs like NYS Grown & Certified, which raises the standard of New York products by requiring participating producers to adopt food safety standards and enroll in an environmental management program.
Taste NY, which highlights the quality, diversity and economic impact of New York food and beverages, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of successfully spotlighting our local food and beverage businesses and the farmers who provide ingredients for their products.
We are continuing to invest in these marketing programs that put our local farmers and producers at the forefront.
As we work to bolster the food supply chain and our agricultural businesses, we are also focused on ensuring a strong workforce.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: istock-ekkasit919
Categories: New York, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education