NYFB Statement on Release of USDA Funds

The following statement can be attributed to New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher in response to USDA actions taken on Feb. 20, 2025:

“The release of $20 million in previously frozen USDA funding, made possible by a review conducted by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, is a critical step in protecting the livelihood of farmers here in New York and across the nation. While we are greatly encouraged that this first tranche of funding restoration includes the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), we will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and the USDA to release more funding, especially for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program.

“We continue to share our concerns with Congress, and members of our public policy team are in Washington now meeting with key legislators and elected officials. We remain optimistic that Secretary Rollins and the USDA will honor all previous funding contracts made directly with farmers.”

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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.