New York Farm Bureau Works to Secure Strong Farm Bill

The upcoming renewal of the Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that impacts farmers nationwide. New York Farm Bureau, the most influential agricultural advocacy group in the state, is working tirelessly to ensure the needs of its members are represented in the final bill.

Key components of the Farm Bill include funding risk management and crop insurance programs to safeguard against major crop failures and national disasters. The bill also supports cost-sharing programs for implementing conservation practices and funds crucial research projects to address weather and pest challenges faced by farms.

New York Farm Bureau advocates for increased baseline Farm Bill program spending to address the diverse needs of the food system without cutting back on investments.

The organization also supports keeping farm and nutrition title programs together under one Farm Bill to foster comprehensive support among lawmakers.

Priority is given to risk management and crop insurance programs, such as the Dairy Margin Coverage program, which New York Farm Bureau aims to expand to include more milk per farm.

Furthermore, the bureau seeks greater transparency in the federal milk pricing system and supports reintroducing whole milk in schools to provide nutritious options for students.

Enhancing support for specialty crop programs and incorporating diverse domestic fruits and vegetables into the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program are additional priorities for the Farm Bureau.

Conservation programs, like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, are essential for environmental benefits and water quality improvement, and the Farm Bureau calls for continued funding.

Lastly, the Farm Bureau stresses the importance of research for advancing farming practices and combating pests and climate change effectively.

The Farm Bill is an investment in the nation's food system, food security, and national security. New York Farm Bureau urges citizens to contact their representatives and senators to advocate for a strong and timely Farm Bill renewal, critical for sustaining and supporting New York's agriculture.