Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) traveled within his district today to meet and speak with farmers who will be affected by the 2023 Farm Bill, which is passed by Congress every five years and includes national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry policies.

During Gray’s first stop today, he joined his New York State legislative colleagues in Oswego for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s (NY-24) Farm Bill Listening Tour. The tour was designed to hear directly from constituents about issues impacting the agriculture industry in New York’s 24th District. The tour–which makes its last stop tomorrow in Phelps–coincides with the Farm Bill legislation that will be considered this year by Congress.

“It was an honor to join Congresswoman Tenney on her listening tour for the Farm Bill, and I appreciate her commitment to representation and taking the time to listen to our constituents. I was also pleased to join Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Sen. Mark Walczyk to provide state input on a variety of agricultural issues facing farmers and producers all over the North Country. These are the hardworking people who produce our dairy, meat, crops, wine, apples and more. New York farmers work not only to feed our state but also the nation, and we need to make sure they are heard, especially now that the 2023 Farm Bill is being considered,” Gray said.

Gray next visited Old McDonald’s Farm, owned by Robbins Family Farm in Jefferson County, where he continued his discussions with farmers to address disrupted markets, farmland consolidation, the decline of family farms and tanking commodity prices.

“New York farmers are resilient, adaptable and some of the most industrious people you will meet. The agriculture industry simply cannot survive without our friends in the North Country and throughout the state who keep this major industry running. Farmers have strong ties to New York’s history, economy and overall culture. Let’s keep listening to them and doing well by them just as they do well by us,” Gray concluded.