NY Farm Bureau Members Gather for Taste of NY Reception and Lobby Day

Hundreds gather at reception; farmers across the state discuss critical issues with legislators

Albany, NY — New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) members and staff flocked to the Capitol today and yesterday evening, joining state legislators and staffers for the organization’s annual Taste of New York Reception and Lobby Day.

More than 350 people, including members of the State Assembly and Senate, attended NYFB’s signature Taste of New York Reception. The event featured 90 tables highlighting the rich, diverse agricultural market in New York and included products such as beef, microgreens, honey, ice cream, wines, craft brews, produce, cheese, oysters, maple products and much more.

On Lobby Day, County Farm Bureau members joined New York Farm Bureau public policy staff to meet with their legislators and “adopted legislators” to discuss issues of critical importance to farmers and agribusinesses. Key issues included:

• Support of critical funding for current agricultural animal health, promotion, research, and environmental programs in the final FY 26/27 state budget.
• Support of a significant funding investment in the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to forward its mission of collegiate agricultural education, research and extension.
• Extension of the refundable investment tax credit, and allowing construction costs for farmworker housing to be eligible for the tax credit.
• Moving the administration of product marketing and research orders from Empire State Development to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Removing the requirement for overtime payment on the weekly consecutive 24-hour rest period when total work hours are still below the overtime threshold.
• Support of legislation that would develop a Clean Fuel Standard.
• Support of funding for the NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) to do research and promote education on temperature-related working conditions before any legislation (such as the Temperature Extreme Mitigation Program Act) is passed.
• Support of the exemption of agricultural businesses from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation until a cost-effective and practical agricultural recycling program is established and funded by the state.
• Support of mandating that fire, rescue, library, and other ad valorem taxing districts use agricultural assessment values when calculating property taxes.
• Support of renewable energy policies that incorporate common-sense timeframes for adoption based upon grid capacity and support for the use of other energy sources including nuclear. Strong opposition of all-electric mandates and bans on the use of propane, wood burning, oil, or natural gas appliances.

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Taste of New York is a fantastic showcase of the amazing diversity of our agricultural products across the state, and it’s a fun way to network with our members and agricultural partners. It’s a great precursor to Lobby Day, which is critical to the future of agricultural programs and funding.”

NYFB members and staff met with more than 175 legislators and staffers to discuss issues of critical importance to agriculture, Fisher said. “We appreciate the one-on-one time we get with legislators, who are generally very receptive to hearing from us. There is nothing more effective than sharing real stories from real farmers.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, said: “Agriculture is the food on our plates and the drinks in our glasses, and helping people understand that connection in a tangible way is essential to strengthening an industry that underpins our statewide economy. Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York event is always a must-visit, showcasing some of the best agricultural products our state has to offer. It’s a great opening night ahead of a full day of advocacy on behalf of our farm businesses and the protection of our food supply, and we’re thrilled to welcome producers from across the state to the Capitol.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair, Assembly Committee on Agriculture, said: “We all look forward to NYFB’s Taste of New York reception, featuring numerous agricultural producers, industry organizations, and local associations. It’s a great opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of New York’s farm economy. In addition to tastings and demonstrations, legislators and staff also get the chance to meet some of the farmers who grow our food. As the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, my goal is to prioritize the needs of this critically important industry and to make sure that everyone is aware of what they are up against.”

Senator George Borrello, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said: “Walking through Taste of New York is a reminder that no state produces food quite like we do. From dairy and beef to maple, wine, fresh produce, and seafood, the quality of food grown and made here in New York reflects generations of hard work and innovation. But behind every exceptional product is a farmer facing rising costs, workforce shortages, regulatory pressure, and energy policies that must be rooted in reality. Lobby Day ensures those voices are heard clearly in Albany. I’m proud to stand with New York Farm Bureau and will keep fighting to ensure New York agriculture remains strong for the next generation.”

Assemblymember Chris Tague, ranking member, Assembly Committee on Agriculture, said: “Thank you to New York Farm Bureau for building a platform and advocating for farmers across the state. As the Ranking Member on the Agriculture Committee and a lifelong advocate who’s milked cows and fought for farms in Albany, I am proud to be your voice in Albany. We must secure investments in cutting-edge research in this year’s budget. Fully funding proven programs like Nourish New York, Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and our SUNY partners at Cobleskill, Morrisville, Delhi and beyond will equip the next generation with world-class tools for success.”
 

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New York Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agricultural advocacy organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community.