From climate change to workforce development, New York’s farm community is being asked to do more than ever — and state leaders say the industry is rising to the challenge.
That was the message from State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball on Thursday, when he delivered New York’s annual State of Agriculture address during the 194th New York State Agricultural Society Forum at the Wegmans Conference Center in Rochester.
Ball used the speech to highlight how farmers and agricultural businesses across the state are adapting to changing conditions while continuing to supply food, protect the environment, and strengthen local economies.
“We all have a shared mission — to uplift New York agriculture and see it grow and thrive,” Ball said. “Despite everything going on in the world, I’m optimistic about the future of our industry here in New York.”
This year’s forum was themed “Harvesting Change,” and Ball focused much of his remarks on the importance of flexibility and collaboration as farmers face pressures from climate shifts, global markets, rising costs, and workforce challenges.
He pointed to a number of state programs aimed at helping farms adapt and modernize, including the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, the Farmland Protection Program, and the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. He also highlighted modernization efforts through programs such as the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, the Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program, and the NYS Grown & Certified infrastructure and technology grants.
Ball called the 2020s “the decade of collaboration,” urging farmers, agencies, educators, and communities to continue working together to tackle challenges and seize new opportunities.
Other priorities outlined in the address included expanding agricultural education and workforce development, strengthening the state’s food supply chain, and continuing New York’s environmental protection efforts.
Programs supporting the food system include Nourish New York, the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program, the Farm-to-School initiative, the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, and the New York Food for New York Families program. Ball also emphasized the importance of promoting New York products through Taste NY and the NYS Grown & Certified program.
In addition to the State of Agriculture address, the forum featured educational workshops, panel discussions, and recognition of industry leaders. Awards were presented in eight categories, including Business of the Year, Next Generation Farmer, Farm Safety, and Century and Bicentennial Farms.
The New York State Agricultural Society Forum brings together farmers, processors, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the state to discuss how agriculture is changing and how the industry can continue to grow in the years ahead.
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