New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed measures to support New York’s farmers, including dairy producers and establishing a “one-stop shop” for the agricultural workforce. The governor is committed to advancing agriculture and food production, and New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball emphasizes the importance of farmers and the agriculture sector. New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher is dedicated to working with Hochul and the state legislature to strengthen agriculture and family farms. Hochul is seeking $34 million over two years for on-farm fluid milk storage technologies and processing infrastructure to reduce transportation costs during pandemics and winter storms.
Hochul also suggested $21 million for a new Alternative Waste Management and Enhanced Precision Feed Program to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture carbon, and scale up their operations. A new program to help New York’s agricultural labor is proposed, which would collaborate with Cornell University’s Agricultural Workforce Development Program to create a suite of resources.
Hochul envisions a “one health approach” to enhance illness detection and prevention, food safety education, and veterinarian care optimization to lessen dangers to people, animals, and the environment. Initiatives include increased engagement with New York’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Board, a new program to prevent the misuse of veterinary drug xylazine, changes to reimbursement and fee structures for on-farm animal health testing programs, and the establishment of a new animal health testing program.
