By Blake Jackson
The New York Farm Bureau is calling for an updated Farm Bill to address the challenges faced by farmers in the state. They specifically highlighted the need for reforms in four areas: H-2A wage rates, specialty crop insurance, climate-smart practices, and mental health resources.
Farm Bill costs are expected to skyrocket to $1.51 trillion, with a focus on increased support for farmers dealing with extreme weather events, rising production costs, and a changing global market. Specialty crop growers, like cabbage and strawberry farmers, lack proper insurance coverage, and the Farm Bureau urges the bill to address this gap.
Sustainability efforts funded by the Farm Bill have demonstrably improved farm productivity. However, Ashley Oeser, a representative from the New York Farm Bureau, emphasized the need for recognition of existing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers want to be part of the solution for climate change, she said.
Another area of concern is the H-2A program, which provides temporary foreign workers for seasonal farm labor. The Farm Bureau argues that the current system of wage increases makes it difficult for farmers to plan and budget. They are advocating for a more predictable approach to wage adjustments.
Dairy farmers are also seeking changes in milk pricing formulas. The current market-based system, implemented in the 2018 Farm Bill, is seen as unfair to farmers. The Farm Bureau is advocating for a return to the previous pricing structure.
The mental health of farmers is a growing concern, especially considering the high suicide rates in the agricultural industry. The loss of nearly 3,000 farms in New York over the past five years is attributed in part to financial strain. The Farm Bureau is calling for increased awareness and accessibility of mental health resources for farmers.
Photo Credit: new-york-farm-bureau
Categories: New York, Government & Policy