Cuomo Vetoes Tax Break for Farmers Who Donate Food to Food Banks

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vetoed a bill that would have provided a tax break for farmers who donate food  to food banks.

According to the Associated Press, farmers already donate millions of pounds of food every year, but say the credit of up to $5,000 annually would reduce the costs of harvesting and transporting surplus crops that would otherwise go to waste.

The veto came the night before Giving Tuesday, a global day which kicks off the charitable giving season. 

The Hunger Action Network of New York State has made the bill a priority, saying it will address a growing hunger problem around the state. It's also supported by environmentalists and agriculture groups who say it will reduce food waste and help poor New Yorkers get access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

New York Farm Bureau was disappointed with the veto.

“During this season of giving, New York Farm Bureau is profoundly disappointed in Governor Cuomo’s veto of a bill that would encourage greater farmer food donations to people in need across the state," said New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. 

"The bill would have established a food donation tax credit up to 25 percent of the wholesale price of the food, not to exceed $5,000 annually per farmer. This would help offset the cost of labor, packaging and transportation to get the food to regional food banks," he said.

"The bi-partisan bill passed by the legislature and information provided to the governor since, have addressed the governor’s concerns in his veto message, which was nearly identical to his 2015 veto message," Norton said. The AP states in a previous story that Cuomo vetoed the bill last year because lawmakers didn't include it in the budget.

"Last year, New York’s farmers donated approximately 13 million pounds of food to regional food banks through the Harvest for All program, and next week during our State Annual Meeting, we will announce the impressive total for 2016," Norton said. 

"While the generosity of farmers is well established in New York, we are only left to wonder how many additional people could have fresh, local food on their dinner plates in the future if the governor had supported this bill," Norton said.
"New York Farm Bureau urges the governor to propose a solution in his Executive Budget that will resolve any issues he has with the bill,” Norton said.

New York Farm Bureau Completes Successful Lobby Days

From New York Farm Bureau:

Farmers from across the state spent two days in Albany visiting with lawmakers Feb. 29 and March 1 to highlight New York Farm Bureau’s public policy priorities for the year.
 
They kicked things off with the popular Taste of New York reception for state lawmakers, commissioners and staff where 70 county Farm Bureaus and agricultural organizations hosted tables featuring local farm products for people to sample.
 
Following the evening event, nearly 250 members participated in the annual lobby day where they met with both their local and adopted senators and assembly members. 

In addition, the organization’s executive committee met personally with all four legislative leaders, including Senator Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and had a meeting with the Governor’s Deputy Secretary for Food and Agriculture, Pat Hooker.
 

Norton

“This was one of the most successful lobby days we’ve held, and it couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time for New York agriculture. The issues that will be decided upon in Albany this year will have profound impacts on farming in this state for years to come,” said New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.
 
Topping the list of state priorities is opposition to the proposed $15 minimum wage and the impact that it will have on New York farms. Farmers are concerned a nearly 70 percent increase in labor costs will only make it harder to compete with products coming in from other states and countries with considerably lower production costs.
 
An American Farm Bureau Federation economic analysis found a $15 minimum wage would cost New York agriculture $500 million or 25 percent of additional net income. This is expected to affect farms in a number of ways. The state will likely see farms reduce employment, turn to automation or close the barn doors for good.
 
State funding for critical farm programs is another top priority for Farm Bureau. Members also asked for funding parity when it comes to repairing upstate roads and bridges.
 
New York Farm Bureau also remains committed to securing money to help schools in starting up new FFA programs as well as for agricultural education programs. 
 
Farmers also discussed with lawmakers about transferring farm assessment functions to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets from the Department of Taxation and Finance.
 
These priorities were based on member approved public policies that originate every year at the county Farm Bureau level and are passed by the full delegate body at New York Farm Bureau’s State Annual Meeting in December.
 
In addition to advocating for priorities with lawmakers, members also participated in a special panel discussion with the Commissioners and representatives from the Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Environmental Conservation and Labor. Members were able to ask the public officials questions about a number of issues facing the state’s family farms.
 
“I cannot thank our members enough for the time spent away from their farms to visit with their lawmakers in Albany,” Norton said. “The large turnout reflects the passion and commitment they have to make a difference for their fellow farmers and this great organization. I also appreciate the time lawmakers took to speak with our members both at the reception and in their offices.”

New York Farm Bureau Sets Legislative Agenda; Fighting Minimum Wage Hike is Number 1

From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine:

New York Farm Bureau released its 2016 state priorities Jan. 27 that focus on improving conditions in New York state to allow for agricultural growth. 
 

Norton

New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton laid out the legislative agenda during a press conference call with the media that included NYFB’s Public Policy Director Jeff Williams.
 
The number one issue for New York Farm Bureau this year is to strongly oppose the $15 minimum wage. The plan would dramatically impact farms competitiveness and cost farmers an estimated $500 million in additional annual labor costs alone. That would be crushing in a year like this one, when milk and commodity prices are significantly lower.
 
Norton said the average agricultural wage in New York state is $12.39/hour, well above the current minimum, but an increase will force wages up across the board, including those already making more than the minimum based on skill and experience. Additional costs will rise as well for payroll taxes like unemployment insurance and FICA. 
 
Other expenses will come from increased costs for goods and services that farms must purchase.
 
“The governor’s minimum wage proposal makes New York completely uncompetitive with the other agricultural states,” Norton said.  “When Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 and New York’s is $15, how can our farms and other businesses compete? The answer, unfortunately, is to reduce labor costs or shut down.”
 
State funding for critical farm programs is also a top priority for NYFB. The governor included a number of items in his budget plan to help the farm industry, including money for the Environmental Protection Fund, which will assist farms with water quality, conservation and farmland protection programs.
Norton said Farm Bureau also remains committed to securing money to assist schools in starting new FFA programs and  agricultural education programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates there will be 60,000 new jobs a year in the farming and food industries, and the state will need to have a workforce ready to meet those demands to help grow the industries right here at home.
“We have an abundance of school districts looking to add chapters and this funding would help get those chapters off the ground and started,” Norton said.
A third priority related to the budget is the investment in roads and bridges for upstate New York. 

The governor is committing $20 billion to match infrastructure efforts happening in and around New York City. The parity in upstate-downstate funding remains a priority because our farms need access to good roads and safe bridges in order to transport their goods to market.
 
“Many of the bridges that cross the Erie Canal are no longer accessible to agricultural equipment and vehicles because of the weight limit and restrictions,” Norton said. “This increases time and costs for farmers who may have to travel miles out of their way to get to a farm field or deliver milk.”
 
Another new priority is support for transferring farm assessment functions from the Department of Taxation and Finance to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
 
Agricultural land assessments are determined by Agriculture and Markets under Agricultural District Law. However, when it comes to administering the assessments, it falls to Tax and Finance, which can create some confusion for assessors not well versed in Agriculture District Law.
 
“There is a real sensitivity and understanding of our industry in the Department of Agriculture and Markets and we feel that assessment program and functions would be much better served in that department rather than Taxation and Finance,” Williams said.
 
Finally, energy is another major priority. Reducing costs and increasing efficiencies for farms, while also helping farms transition to renewable energy sources, provide many benefits for agriculture. 
 
The governor’s initiative, known as Reforming the Energy Vision or REV, is looking to be a more market-based plan than current energy policy incentives.
 
New York Farm Bureau will work this year to ensure REV is implemented in a fair and effective way so that rural New York is able to take advantage of the programs available, and farms can contribute to a more resilient grid and power their neighborhoods.

New York Farm Bureau Lists National Priorities for 2016

From New York Farm Bureau:

New York Farm Bureau leaders met with members of New York’s congressional delegation this week in Washington, DC to discuss the organization’s member-approved national public policy priorities for 2016.

Following the visits, New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton and Elizabeth Wolters, NYFB’s associate director of national affairs, held a press conference call with reporters this morning to publicly unveil the priorities. 

The priorities are:


GMO LABELING

New York’s visit was timely with next week’s expected markup of Sen. Pat Robert’s bill that would establish national standards for the labeling of products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

GMO labeling is an important issue in New York state as a proposed bill looks to create a statewide label for ingredients created with the assistance of biotechnology. This disregards the clear scientific evidence that shows the food is just as safe and nutritious as ingredients bred using more traditional methods. 

New York Farm Bureau opposes a statewide approach because it would create a patchwork of labeling laws that would prove costly for New York farmers and consumers alike.  Because of the concern, New York Farm Bureau is supportive of Sen. Robert’s bill.

The chairman’s proposal is centered on a strong foundation to protect interstate commerce and prevent state-by-state labeling laws. It will direct USDA to initiate formal rulemaking to set definitions and standards for the labeling of products that may contain ingredients derived from agricultural biotechnology. The bill also contains an educational component to inform consumers about the safety of GMOs.

REGULATIONS

New York Farm Bureau has long been in opposition to proposed changes to the Clean Water Act that members believe broaden the jurisdiction from navigable waters to also including dry land. 

The new “Waters of the U.S.” rule will vastly increase the scope of the Clean Water Act and put an undue burden and more regulatory control on farmers and their land with no benefit to the environment.

Both houses of Congress voted in a bipartisan fashion to repeal the rule. Unfortunately, the President vetoed the measure. 

That doesn’t mean this issue is settled.  The Sixth Circuit Court has issued a stay based on legal concerns. While it works its way through the legal system, New York Farm Bureau will continue to work with Congress to find a solution on the matter along with advocating for more comprehensive regulatory reform.

New York Farm Bureau also was successful this year at the American Farm Bureau Federation national meeting in Orlando, FL to pass a resolution in the national policy book related to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.   

New York Farm Bureau supports allowing third party accredited individuals as well as Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to complete wetland determinations. This will help to reduce the amount of time farmers have to wait to have a determination completed. Currently, the delays of up to a year hinder what farmers can do with their land.

IMMIGRATION REFORM

New York Farm Bureau has long been saying we need a stable workforce on our farms or else the rural economy and our local food supply will ultimately suffer. 

Despite the political climate in Washington and the current presidential campaign, immigration reform remains a top priority for New York Farm Bureau. It is time to end the immigration stalemate and pass reform legislation that addresses short and long-term farm labor needs.
Because of the unlikelihood of that happening in 2016, New York Farm Bureau is changing its focus this year to look for reforming the H2A seasonal guest worker program. This includes modernizing the application process to use electronic submissions as opposed to the current paper applications that must be mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

In addition, New York Farm Bureau is looking for opportunities to open up the H2A program to dairy farmers who need help year round.

Until this is completed, New York Farm Bureau will work with Congress to minimize negative impacts of farm labor shortages and will oppose a mandatory E-Verify program unless and until a new comprehensive agricultural guest-worker program is in place to provide farmers with workforce security.

FOOD SAFETY RULES

Food safety is another top priority for New York Farm Bureau. The FDA is in the process of implementing new food safety rules as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act and New York Farm Bureau is monitoring the implementation, particularly those dealing with produce and animal feed, and will be working with the FDA to balance the compliance burden with an actual public health benefit.

Federal money should also be used to provide adequate training of inspectors and provide for inspections for foreign farms. The United States must ensure foreign farms and the goods that they produce are held to the same standards so as not to make domestic farms non-competitive and offshore our food production. 

If we are to be able to compete on the world market place, our farmers’ hands cannot be tied by our own rules and food should be safe regardless of where it comes from. 

TRADE

With a growing export market for a number of things that we produce in New York, New York Farm Bureau will continue to support the next generation of trade negotiations that remove unscientific barriers and high tariffs and provide new opportunities for our farms. 

This includes the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership  agreement with the European Union.

The Pacific agreement is expected to increase cash receipts and net exports from New York by $111.4 million and $66.2 million per year, respectively. It is estimated the increased marketing opportunities for New York’s farmers and ranchers will add more than 500 jobs to the New York economy.

New York Farm Bureau Receives National Awards

News from New York Farm Bureau:

New York Farm Bureau received five Awards of Excellence at the 2016 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.  

About 40 delegates, members and staff attended the event that ran from Jan. 9 to 12.

The Awards of Excellence signify achievement in Education and Outreach, Leadership Development, Membership Initiatives, Policy Development and Implementation and Public Relations and Communications.

President Dean Norton, who serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors, was also reappointed by newly elected AFBF President Zippy Duvall, to once again represent the Northeast on the AFBF Executive Committee.  

This will ensure New York Farm Bureau will maintain a prominent voice at the highest levels of farm policy discussion at AFBF.

NYFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher program was also well represented during the competitive events at AFBF. The New York State Discussion Meet champion was Lonny Schaefer from Delaware County. Sarah Blood from Schoharie County competed for the national Excellence in Agriculture Award, and the New York State Achievement Award winner was Michael Jennings from Montgomery County. 

While they did not make it to the final rounds in their respective categories, all three demonstrated important communication skills and a great understanding of Farm Bureau issues.

In addition, a dozen public policy resolutions proposed by New York Farm Bureau that originated at the grassroots level are now part of AFBF national policy. The resolutions were approved by the full delegate body during their business session. These new public policy positions include:

 
**  Allow an accredited third party or Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to complete on-site wetland determinations to ensure timely determinations
** Support for farm wineries, farm breweries, farm cideries, and farm distilleries to have the ability to use social media
** Reclassifying rabbits raised for food from exotic animals to livestock for processing purposes
** Offering a reduced excise tax rate for small distilleries similar to the rate structure for breweries
** Provide financial assistance through APHIS and ARS to maintain New York’s Golden Nematode Quarantine Facility and Research Program
** The ability of all states to insure individual blocks of grape varieties
** The continued use of drugs currently used by beekeepers and available over the counter for the control of American and European Foulbrood until there is a protocol in place
** Voluntary base acreage updating in the next Farm Bill
** Changes to the National Organic Program animal welfare standards should not impair the current practices that allow producers to maintain the biosecurity of their herds and flocks

“New York Farm Bureau, its members, and its staff work hard every day to serve and strengthen agriculture for every farmer in this state. We are pleased to receive this recognition from our national organization. It highlights the exemplary job that this organization strives to do on behalf of our members,” said Jeff Kirby, New York Farm Bureau Executive Director.   

“New York Farm Bureau continues to play a national role in setting farm policy in this country, and I could not be prouder of this organization.  I congratulate our members who had the foresight to advance public policy resolutions at the local level with an eye on helping to craft our national agenda.  I am also looking forward to continuing to serve New York and the Northeast at AFBF, and I congratulate AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal on their elections,” said Norton.

Statement from Farm Bureau President on Cuomo's State of the State Address

Statement from Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau:

Norton

“Governor Andrew Cuomo is moving forward with some major budget proposals that will impact agriculture across the state in positive and negative ways. New York Farm Bureau has advocated on a host of issues mentioned in the State of the State, and many of the Governor’s requests reflect his interest to improving conditions for family farms across the state.

"New York Farm Bureau is hopeful his efforts to substantially increase the Environmental Protection Fund will assist farmers with expanded water quality, conservation and farmland preservation programs that are widely used. In addition, his request to offer a 100 percent tax credit on Thruway tolls for farm vehicles that use EZ Pass is a sensible approach to helping farms save money while at the same time making it easier to move their products around New York. 

"Improving rural infrastructure also remains a priority for New York Farm Bureau, and we are pleased to see additional funding as well to improve roads and bridges in the upstate and Long Island regions.

"There is also support for agriculture reflected in funding for critical research. Plus, the Governor has maintained his commitment to marketing initiatives, like Taste NY, that let our neighbors and the world know about the healthy food and products that come from our farms.

"Despite these positive endeavors, New York Farm Bureau remains deeply concerned about the impact of a $15 minimum wage on our farms’ bottom lines. Many of our members tell us they will be forced to make tough choices should it pass, choices like reducing staff, changing what they grow and how they grow it, or just leaving farming altogether. 

"We encourage Governor Cuomo to continue working with Farm Bureau to find better ways to promote job growth, better wages, and new opportunities for our family farms and their employees,” said New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.

New York Farm Bureau Comments on Minimum Wage Hike

New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton commented late last week about the $15 an hour minimum wage law in New York state:

“New York Farm Bureau has serious concerns about Governor Cuomo’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15. Farmers in New York are already at a competitive disadvantage compared to those with lower labor costs in other states," Norton said.

"They cannot make up the increased spending by simply raising prices because they are competing in a global market where supply and demand dictate what consumers pay. For example, if Michigan growers can offer cheaper apples to grocery stores that is what largely will be purchased on the open market," he said.

Norton

"In turn, New York farms will be forced to absorb the higher labor costs. For those who sell directly to consumers, higher food prices will become the norm. 

"In general, farms in New York already pay more than the current minimum wage. According to the USDA, the average agriculture wage rate in the state is $12.15. Upping the minimum wage would lift all farm wages.  A worker who already earns a higher hourly rate based on experience and time on the farm would still expect a higher salary than those who are newly hired.  This proposal would likely force the average wage rate well above the $15 mark," Norton said..

"The impact will be clear. We have already seen farmers, who can afford it, turn to automation to milk cows and harvest crops in order to reduce labor costs. This trend will only be exacerbated by an extreme minimum wage hike thereby shrinking the agricultural workforce across New York," he said. "The wage hike will also be a bigger barrier for smaller farms who are interested in hiring new employees to grow their businesses. This will ultimately be bad news for the rural economy that depends on agriculture as its bread and butter.”

Farm Bureau President Dean Norton Running for National Office

Norton

New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton is running to become the next vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

“This is an important time for agriculture in New York and throughout our great nation. As farmers, we have many opportunities and challenges ahead of us, and my years of leadership in Farm Bureau at the state and national levels have prepared me well to take them on as AFBF’s vice president,” Norton said in a statement.
 
“The office would allow me to expand my advocacy for hard working farm families across America and give my home state a more visible role in this vital organization,” he said. “Serving in this role will allow me to still be president of New York Farm Bureau, and if I am successful in this endeavor, I will do all that I can to make both organizations even more effective.”
 
Norton, along with his wife Melanie and two children, reside in Elba, Genesee County. He is employed as a senior agriculture consultant at a CPA firm in Batavia, and his family owns a dairy farm in Elba.
 
In addition, he and his wife operate DMCK Cattle Co., LLC renting dairy cows and tillable land along with selling beef cattle.
 
Norton has served on the American Farm Bureau board of directors representing the Northeast since 2010 as well as the AFBF executive committee. He was elected NYFB president in December of 2008, and he has served on a variety of NYFB commodity committees, was county president for four years, and served four years on the NYFB State Board of Directors prior to being elected president of NYFB.

New York Farm Bureau Officials to Discuss Minimum Wage Increase

From New York Farm Bureau:

New York Farm Bureau will host a press conference call at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18 to discuss the minimum wage proposals in Albany. 

During the call with reporters, Farm Bureau President Dean Norton will highlight the analysis of wage rates on farms in New York and how they compare to other states. In addition, two farmers will discuss the financial impacts to their individual farms should lawmakers approve another minimum wage increase.

Magee Honored by Agricultural Society

Assemblyman William Magee, the long-time chair of the Assembly agriculture committee, was honored Thursday night by the New York State Agricultural Society at its annual meeting and forum in suburban Syracuse.

Magee, D-Nelson, Madison County, was presented the Distinguished Service Citation for his years of work to better New York agriculture.

Here are some comments about Magee from some ag dignitaries in the state:

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball: 

Dean Norton, president, New York Farm Bureau: “ Bill Magee has long been a friend of New York agriculture. His accomplishments as Chairman of  the Assembly Agriculture Committee have benefited every farmer in the state because he understands our needs and concerns.  New York Farm Bureau congratulates Assemblyman Magee on this well-deserved honor.”   

State Sen. Patricia Ritchie, chair state Senate Agriculture Committee:“Throughout his long and distinguished career, Assemblyman Magee has been known not only for working to support New York’s agriculture industry, but also for putting the needs of our state’s hardworking farmers first. 

“Throughout my time as Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Assemblyman Magee has been a fantastic partner when it comes to working to keep New York as a leading agricultural state. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and am looking forward for continuing to work with him to create an even brighter future for New York farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole.”

Dean Kathryn Boor, dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: "Bill Magee is a true champion in leading the charge in research, application and new funding for the economic sustainability of agriculture in New York state. The state of New York agriculture wouldn't be the same without him."

Farm Bureau Reacts to Western NY Snow

Statement from New York Farm Bureau president on snow in Western New York:

“Our immediate concerns are with those farms that are dealing with the devastating impacts of the record snowfall," said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau.

"The snow load weighing down the roofs of barns and greenhouses remains a serious concern, and we encourage all farmers to keep a close watch on the conditions and prepare to move people, animals and equipment to a safer location if need be.

Dean Norton

"New York Farm Bureau is working with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the rest of the team with the State Office of Emergency Management and Cornell Cooperative Extension to monitor the damage and response," he said. 

"In addition, we have been in touch with our Congressional delegation as well concerning needs and resources. We greatly appreciate everyone’s hard work in this emergency situation. New York Farm Bureau will assist our members to navigate any disaster assistance should it become available,” Norton said.

Yogurt and Dairy Summit Today at Cornell

Dairy farmers, industry leaders and state officials are at Cornell University today (Oct. 15) for the 2014 Yogurt and Dairy Summit.

Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, also will join dairy industry personnel in a discussion about a partnership to grow the dairy economy. Norton also participated in the “2012 Yogurt Summit.”

“New York Farm Bureau is once again looking forward to sitting down with the governor’s administration to discuss significant ways the state can support our dairy industry," Norton said. 

"From the family farm to the yogurt maker, each performs a vital role in our state’s rural economy.  By partnering together, we can develop new avenues to support this critical agricultural sector that drives job creation and produces local food across upstate New York,” he said.

It's National Farm Safety and Health Week

 

From New York Farm Bureau and NYCAMH:

New York Farm Bureau and the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health are recognizing “National Farm Safety and Health Week” which runs Sept. 21-27. 

The theme this year is “Safety Counts: Protecting What Matters.”  It serves as a reminder for the nearly 36,000 farms in the state that strive to provide a safe workplace environment for their family members and employees.

Dean Norton

“We encourage all of our farmer members who are especially busy with harvest this time of year to think of safety first. Farming can be a dangerous occupation, but great strides have been made in New York to reduce risks on the farm," said Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.

"It is important that our farms review their safety protocols and 'protect what matters' this week and all year long,” he said.

This sentiment is also shared by Sam Parks, NYCAMH’s promotion coordinator.

“There is no greater reward than to work with the people that help to feed us three times a day. Often their struggles go unnoticed as they work day to day," Parks said. "Although farm work comes with some risks, much has been done in the New York farm community to address workplace hazards. 

"Despite the challenges in farming, agriculture is a great way of life and is filled with many rewards. During this week we salute our farmers and encourage them to take some time to celebrate their hard work, and think about ways to create a culture of safety on their farm,” Parks said.

New York Farm Bureau President Tours State Fair

To see a video about the farm providing cows for the first couple of days at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center, go to http://www.nyanimalag.org/pride-progress-video-karen-merrell/

Watching the birth of a calf may seem old hand to someone like New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.

But Thursday, while touring the New York State Fair, Norton, whose family owns a dairy farm in Genesee County, stopped in to see the Dairy Cow Birthing Center and witnessed a new life come into the world.

Norton

“People were amazed,” Norton said of the hundreds on hand for the birth – the beginning of the cycle of producing dairy products like milk, ice cream and cheese.

“There were a lot of ooohs and aaaahs,” he said.

This is the second year for the birthing center, which was a hit during its debut at the 2013 fair. It has expanded this year with more space and more seating. Three live births are scheduled for each of the 12 days of the fair.

Norton spent his hours at the fair talking to farmers about what concerns they have in the agriculture industry and talking with state residents about what farmers do and the importance of agriculture in New York state.

He also discussed two pieces of legislation that will be important to farmers this year.

One is the farmworker bill. This proposed law has been written and comes up for action in the state Legislature each year. But to date, it has not passed.

Norton said the bill – being pushed by legislators from New York City – would require overtime, mandatory days of rest and collective bargaining for farm workers and more inspections of worker domiciles.

Farm Bureau is opposed to the bill because of the additional cost and regulation it would put upon farmers. Norton said the bill is unneeded because farmers already treat their workers well.

“Legislators from the city seem to think we’re harming our workers,” Norton said. 

Norton said he and Farm Bureau also hope to work with the state Legislature “to help rural counties start FFA programs.”

“We would like to put together a fund to expand FFA and agriculture education throughout New York state,” Norton said. He said tight budgets and other educational mandates preclude school districts in the state to create FFA program, so county farm bureaus, educators and other officials could work together to see gifts, grants and state money to start these FFA chapters.

“Ag education is very important,” Norton said.

In addition to talking to fairgoers and farmers and discussing legislation, Norton also made time for a fair tradition.

“I got my Gianelli sausage sandwich,” he said.  

Farm Bureau Weighs in on Legislative Session

Statement from NY Farm Bureau President Dean Norton on the end of the state legislative session:

“Agriculture in the state will be in an even stronger position to flourish following the success of the 2014 legislative session. In these final days, lawmakers have supported a number of key bills that will benefit every farmer in the long run.

The highlights include the passage of substantial changes to State Liquor Authority laws that will allow craft beverage makers to take advantage of new opportunities to reach customers. Also, counties will now be able to establish smaller agricultural districts of 250 acres, down from 500 acres. This will especially support new farms in more densely populated and suburban areas. Protections from things like eminent domain and nuisance lawsuits are important in communities that are seeing a growing local food network.

New York Farm Bureau is also pleased lawmakers have established a revolving loan program to assist beginning farmers.  Accessing the money needed to start up an operation is one of the greatest challenges facing new farmers. This bill will help them climb over that early hurdle.

These successes and others follow what was an especially productive state budget process for farmers. From an increased threshold in the estate tax to more funding for environmental and worker safety programs and critical commodity research, New York agriculture is primed for more growth.

New York Farm Bureau would like to thank Governor Cuomo, Senate Agriculture Chair, Patty Ritchie, and her counterpart in the Assembly, Bill Magee, and their fellow legislators for their hard work this year. Their support recognizes the value of New York’s farmers and contribution each family makes in providing local food, jobs, and economic support for their rural communities.

Moving forward, New York Farm Bureau will continue to advocate for the nearly 36,000 farms in this state, and make sure lawmakers understand the decisions they make in Albany have far reaching implications for our food system and rural economies upstate and on Long Island,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President.

 

Full State Senate Confirms Ball As Ag Commissioner

From the governor's office:

The New York State Senate unanimously confirmed Richard A. Ball as Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for the opportunity to lead the Department of Agriculture and Markets and thank the state Senate for confirming my nomination as commissioner," Ball said.  

"As a lifelong farmer, my main goal as commissioner is to work with industry to help New York agriculture get to that next level. I’ve had a busy first few months working with the talented staff at the Department of Agriculture and Markets and have a new appreciation of the agency’s role in helping New York agriculture," Ball said.  

This industry is on the cusp of great things and I look forward to working with our partners to help facilitate this growth in the months ahead.”

A native New Yorker, Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. 

At 18 years old, Ball began his career in agriculture as a farm worker at a vegetable farm in Rhode Island. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years in Rhode Island, Ball moved back to New York with an opportunity to become a farm owner. 

For the past 20 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market known as “The Carrot Barn” and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City.

Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level. He and his wife Shirley, as well as his three children are actively engaged in farming with a growing number of future farmers among the grandchildren.

“Since meeting Richard Ball several years ago, I’ve been impressed with his passion for agriculture — farming is in his blood, he’s not afraid to dig in and get the job done, nor does he hesitate to lend a hand and help his fellow farmer," said state Sen. Patricia Ritchie, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee

"Throughout his career in agriculture, including his running of the successful Schoharie Valley Farms and 'The Carrot Barn,' Richard has proven to be someone who knows the ins and outs of agriculture. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for this excellent appointment and am looking forward to working with our new commissioner to help New York’s biggest industry continue to grow,” Ritchie said.

"I applaud Governor Cuomo for nominating Richard Ball to be New York State's Agriculture Commissioner. Commissioner Ball, besides being a farmer himself for many years, has held a number of positions involving agriculture at the local, state and national level, making him the best candidate for the job," said William Magee, D-Nelson, chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. "As chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, I am looking forward to working with Commissioner Ball and I am confident that he understands what needs to be done and will be very active statewide."

"I am extremely pleased to see Richard Ball confirmed by the full Senate to become the new Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. He is a farmer through and through and understands the needs of the state's thriving agricultural community," said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau.

"New York Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing to partner with the commissioner for the benefit of every farmer in the state, and I personally would like to offer my sincere congratulations,” Norton said.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Markets, please visit www.agriculture.ny.gov.

New York Farm Bureau Comments on Cuomo's Budget Proposal

Here is a statement from New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget:

“Gov. Andrew Cuomo is moving quickly on key tax reform proposals, including raising the estate tax threshold to match the federal level of $5.25 million. 

He also supports expanded funding for water quality and farmland protection programs within the Environmental Protection Fund. These initiatives will serve farm families well who are looking to preserve the environment, as well as their farms, from one generation to the next. 

The programs are widely used by farmers across New York who are always looking for ways to become better caretakers of our natural resources.

As New York Farm Bureau continues to examine specific details in the proposed budget, we believe the proposed funding for programs housed within the Department of Agriculture and Markets is a good start by the Governor and we appreciate his support. 

We are confident there will be many opportunities to work over the coming months to expand business and market funding opportunities for New York’s farmers. This includes promotional support and enhanced access for farm products in New York City and other urban markets, where consumers are increasingly wanting locally grown,” said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau.

  

New York Farm Bureau Discusses Cuomo's State of the State Address

Here is a statement from New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton concerning Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State address:

Dean Norton

“New York Farm Bureau appreciates the continued efforts by Governor Cuomo to prioritize agriculture as a critical part of the state’s economy. In his State of the State Address, he laid out a number of standout proposals that matter to every farmer in New York.  

"This includes efforts to remove regulatory barriers that get in the way of growing our businesses. We also support his tax reform initiatives that include raising the estate tax threshold and finally phasing out the article 18A surcharge on energy bills.

"The governor also plans to capitalize on past successes, by proposing a second round of Yogurt and Wine, Beer and Spirits Summits. Just as exciting is news of a new summit looking to connect our farms with downstate consumers who are eager to purchase New York grown food and locally made products. Additional promotional efforts as well will keep the state’s outstanding farmers front and center in the eyes of tourists and New Yorkers alike.

"Hunting is also an important part of rural life in New York state. It helps farmers protect their land, crops and livestock from the damage caused by overpopulated wildlife. Governor Cuomo’s efforts to support and increase hunting opportunities throughout the state, including increased sportsmen access to state land and reforms to landowner liability, are positive steps to help safeguard farmers’ interests.

"New York Farm Bureau works on behalf of every farmer in this diverse state, and having a strong partnership with Governor Cuomo and his administration is imperative to growing New York agriculture.”

New York Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Begins Dec. 3

The New York Farm Bureau annual meeting begins next week in Salina.

There will be a number of events over the course of three days with the highlight being the delegate sessions where members vote on proposed public policy resolutions that originated from their local County Farm Bureaus. 

According to Farm Bureau, this is a proud tradition of farmers coming together to debate and decide positions on legislative and regulatory initiatives with the aim of supporting all of agriculture. 

According to Farm Bureau, agriculture remains a leading economic engine in Upstate New York and Long Island, and our farms are the primary source for local food, fuel and fiber.  The important work at State Annual Meeting will chart the path for the next year as NYFB advocates for policies and laws that allow for the economic viability of farms across the state. We must ensure farming remains a way of life for future generations.

Here is what is in store for the annual meeting:

What: New York Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting

Where: Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway (off Thruway Exit 37) Syracuse/Liverpool, NY

When: Opening Ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Dec. 3. The event wraps up noontime on Dec. 5.  There will be delegate sessions throughout the three day event along with two evening banquets.

Highlights in the three-day schedule:

Dec. 3 :   1 p.m. Opening Ceremony featuring FFA Color Guard &  introduction by Sen. John DeFrancisco
                 2 p.m. Delegate Session with an address from Dale Moore, AFBF Public Policy Exec. Dir.
                 4:30 p.m. Young Farmer Discussion Meet Finals
                 7 p.m.  Farm Credit East Dinner & Awards Programs

Dec. 4 :   9 a.m.  Delegate Session

                 11:15 a.m.  President and Executive Director Reports

                 2 p.m.   Delegate Session

                 7 p.m.   Nationwide Banquet and Evening Program featuring: Keith Eckel, Chairman of Nationwide Insurance, Dean Kathryn Boor, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Science, Distinguished Service Awards to John Dyson and David Tetor, NYFB Foundation Auction led by Assembly Agriculture Chairman Bill Magee

Dec. 5 :   9 a.m.  Delegate Session

                 9:30 a.m.  Elections

Agricultural Land Assessment Cap Bill Signed by Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today signed a law to cap agricultural land assessments at 2 percent per year.

This is a bill New York Farm Bureau has been lobbying for months.

The governor's office said signing this bill into law ensures a more predictable tax climate for the state's agricultural sector. And putting this bill with the 2 percent property tax cap, farmers will be able to stay on their land and reinvest some of the money that would have gone for taxes into their operations.

“Protecting our farmers from unsustainable tax hikes is part of our work to change our state’s reputation as the tax capital of the nation by controlling spending while reducing the tax burden on New Yorkers,” Cuomo said.

“Agriculture is big business in New York and our state government is committed to doing everything we can to help this vital industry thrive and continue to create jobs and economic prosperity, particularly Upstate, he said. "This new law is a great example of just how far we’ve come and will help ensure that agricultural lands remain in the hands of hard working families for generations to come.”

According to the governor's office, during the past seven years, the base assessment value for agricultural lands has nearly doubled, leading to skyrocketing property tax increases. This, coupled with increases in municipal and school taxes, has led to a difficult business climate for some farmers. 

Previously, the annual change in the base agricultural assessment property value could not exceed 10 percent. The new legislation provides for an annual assessment increase of no more than 2 percent.

New York Farm Bureau was thrilled the bill was signed into law.

"In recent years, farmers have carried an increasingly heavy property tax burden that is second highest in the country and more than triple the national average," said Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. "But today, we will begin to get those skyrocketing property taxes under control. The cap will limit increases of agricultural assessment to no more than 2 percent a year."

"This does not mean farmers won’t be paying their fair share of taxes. It simply will control the rate of escalation that will make it easier for our family farms to budget for and pay their taxes," Norton said.  "By putting pen to paper, Governor Cuomo has given another boost to our family farms that contribute greatly to both the physical and economic health of their communities, and New York Farm Bureau very much appreciates his continued partnership with us on critical economic issues."

New York Farm Bureau also worked closely with many agricultural organizations to make today a reality. In addition, Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, and Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, ushered the bill through their respective houses culminating in unanimous bipartisan victories.

To all of them, New York Farm Bureau expresses sincere gratitude for being our partners as well, Norton said

.