Senator O'Mara calls for support of New York farmers

By Blake Jackson

Senator O'Mara's latest column highlights the crucial role of agriculture in New York State but also raises concerns about its future.

During this holiday season, we gather to appreciate the bounty on our tables. This bounty is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of New York's farmers. A recent report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, "A Profile of Agriculture in New York State," underscores this point.

""Agriculture is an important part of New York State's economy, and farmers make significant contributions to the State," DiNapoli states in the report (available at www.osc.ny.gov). "In New York's rural counties, farming can be a significant driver of the regional economy, spurring a suite of support businesses supplying equipment, repair services, seed and soil conditioners and veterinary services, as well as sustaining employment."

The report reveals the significant contributions of New York's agricultural sector:

• Farming is practiced in every county, with over 31,000 farms occupying 21% of the state's land.
• The industry contributes $2.7 billion to the state's GDP and supports over 163,000 jobs.
• New York farmers are national leaders in "Harvest for All," a program connecting farmers with food banks. In 2023, they donated a record-breaking eight million pounds of food.
• The report also highlights some positive trends:
• Agritourism: Revenue from agritourism and recreation has boomed, increasing by 78% since 2012.

However, the report also identifies worrying trends:

• Farm Loss: Between 2012 and 2022, New York lost nearly 14% of its farms and over 9% of its farmland. This rate exceeds national and regional averages.
• Land Conversion: Farmland is being converted for residential, commercial, and industrial uses, potentially hindering future agricultural production. Notably, 1,728 acres of agricultural land have been converted for solar energy facilities.

"New York's diverse farms are an essential part of the state's economy, but there are increasing challenges that are changing the agricultural landscape," according to the comptroller. "Volatile commodity prices, labor pressures and extreme weather are adding to the unpredictability of farming that is contributing to the consolidation and the loss of farms. Policymakers must consider the ways in which state programs and policies affect this sector."

Senator O'Mara emphasizes the need for policymakers to support agriculture in the upcoming legislative session.

The future of New York agriculture hinges on finding solutions to these challenges while celebrating its enduring contributions.

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