Albany, NY – The NYS Assembly Committee on Agriculture held a pre-budget hearing where witnesses testified about existing state policies and programs designed to assist young and emerging farmers. The farmers who testified described oversubscribed grant programs, along with difficulties acquiring land and working capital. In addition, the committee heard from established organizations about funding and other challenges they are facing.

As the average age of a farmer in New York is 57, it is important to understand the various barriers to entering and staying in farming. Emerging farmers encompasses individuals who are new to farming as well as those who have been farming but are transitioning to ownership. New York currently funds several programs, which the Committee discussed, that support emerging farmers and assist in the transition of farms, such as the Beginning Farmers Grant Program administered by the NY Farm Viability Institute and American Farmland Trust’s Navigator Program.

Cornell’s College Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) described the potential impact of federal funding cuts on the many valuable hands-on research programs they run. They also highlighted the positive results of investments the Governor and Legislature have made into programs like: Pro-Dairy, Pro-Livestock, Small Farms, Agriculture in the Classroom, and more.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Chair, Assembly Agriculture Committee, said “I am grateful to everyone who came to Albany to share their thoughts and concerns with the Committee. The future of New York agriculture rests on our ability to attract and support young and emerging farmers, including veterans. While NY provides a variety of programs designed to assist this group, the programs are often oversubscribed, or difficult to navigate. A critical part of the process must include a more robust farm transition program that incentivizes older farmers to rent or sell to an emerging farmer, potentially relieving development pressure from solar and other non-farming interests.”

Assemblyman Chris Tague, Ranking Minority Member, Assembly Agriculture Committee, said “The average age of New York farmers is over 50, which is why it is so important we remove current barriers to entry by preserving irreplaceable fertile farmland from solar development amid the state’s electrification push, so prime agricultural soil remains in production for generations to come. By extending targeted resources and mentorship, we can enable the next wave of farmers to navigate financial challenges and grow their businesses, securing our food supply in the process. Remember, no farms, no food.”

The Committee heard testimony from Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, as well as from representatives from NY Farm Viability Institute, NY Farm Bureau, American Farmland Trust, Northeast Dairy Producers, Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and others. Written and oral testimony provided at the hearing will help inform budgetary and legislative priorities ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.