Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Photo by Tom Rivers: Heather Smith, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation, volunteered at a food distribution in Medina on June 12.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an additional $25 million has been directed to New York’s network of food banks and emergency food providers to support the Nourish New York program through July 2021.

Since the Governor launched Nourish NY at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020, 21 million pounds of surplus agricultural products have been purchased from New York farmers and delivered to more than 1.3 million households in need across New York State.

Purchasing and food distribution using this third round of funding – which was first announced during the Governor’s 2021 State of the State Address – are currently underway. Since the launch of Nourish NY, a total of $60 million has been invested in the program.

“New York is on the path to recovery from the pandemic, but there is a continued need to assist families and our farmers across the state who are still struggling,” Governor Cuomo said. “Since its launch last spring, the Nourish New York initiative has had incredible success in connecting our agricultural producers with food banks in every corner of the state to bring fresh local foods to families in need.”

The Nourish New York program provides funds to New York’s food banks and emergency food providers, who then purchase agricultural products from New York farmers and dairy manufacturers and deliver the food to families in need.

Emergency food providers can use Nourish New York funds to:

• Set up food-drive through events/giveaways;
• Distribute dairy vouchers that can be redeemed in grocery stores for products like cheese, yogurt, milk, sour cream, and butter, throughout the state, and/or;
• Purchase products directly from New York dairy/food manufacturers for their feeding programs.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, farmers experienced a drastic supply chain shift, which resulted in the loss of markets and income and in the waste of fresh surplus foods, particularly fluid milk. Simultaneously, the demand for food through emergency food providers escalated across the state. Seeing the opportunity to feed residents and aid farmers, the Governor launched the Nourish New York initiative. This initiative provided $25 million in funding for the first round and $10 million in the second round of the program for the purchase of foods grown, raised, or processed in New York State and has served as an important alternative revenue stream for farmers and dairy processors during the pandemic.  More than 4,150 farms have been impacted through the program.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Over the last 10 months, the Nourish New York program has helped feed more than one million families with nutritious dairy, fruits and vegetables, and so much more, and helped make sure our farmers had a market for their products.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “This additional funding for Nourish NY is good news for many farmers and low-income people who are still dealing with fallout from the pandemic. The program has coordinated a pathway to move food from farms to food banks in every region of the state, compensating farmers for their products and reducing food waste at the same time. It has proven to be a lifeline for people in need, and we thank Governor Cuomo for continuing the program.”

Expanded Broadband, laying groundwork for new Farm Bill among priorities

Press Release, U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing that he is returning to the House Committee on Agriculture for the 117th Congress.

“Western New York’s economy and communities are directly supported by our agriculture industry,” Jacobs said. “Our farms, processing facilities, and agri-businesses provide thousands of good-paying jobs and present major opportunities to set our region up for future prosperity. It has been my mission to support our farmers in Congress – I made it a priority to be seated on the Agriculture Committee in July when I was first elected and look forward to carrying my work there into the 117th Congress.”

Announced earlier this year, Rep. David Scott (D-GA) will serve as Chairman, and Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) will serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 117th Congress. The Committee is charged with reviewing, developing, and advancing policies and proposals to support, improve, and further the needs of American farmers, agricultural businesses, and rural communities. As of 2017, Western New York had over 4,400 farms producing over $1.1 billion in products, representing 22% of all NYS agriculture sales.

“Serving on the Agriculture Committee puts me in the best possible position to advocate for our farmers and their needs,” Jacobs said. “These past few months alone, I was able to work with my colleagues to ensure the Commodity Credit Corporation was allocated necessary funding, increase investments for the USDA ReConnect Broadband Program, and pass COVID-19 relief legislation with direct support programs for farmers like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).”

“This term, there are major priorities that must be addressed. Our region needs improved broadband infrastructure, the agriculture sector needs new and younger farmers to ensure the longevity of such a critical industry, and we need to protect and support our farmers from unfair trade practices so they can access expanded markets and grow their businesses,” Jacobs said. “Finally, we will be in the beginning stages of developing a new Farm Bill early this year. I will be working diligently to ensure that the needs of Western New York farmers are met in that legislation.”

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) sent a letter to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo asking for the agricultural workers to be authorized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We owe our agricultural workers a debt of gratitude. They have supported our families and state economy throughout the entirety of this pandemic and are essential frontline employees,” Jacobs said. “Without their efforts, millions of families in New York, and around the nation, would not have been able to acquire the nutritious food needed to survive the health crisis.”

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout include agricultural workers as eligible recipients. Currently, the Governor has authorized only “public-facing grocery store employees” as eligible members of the food and agriculture workers category in New York State’s Phase 1b vaccine program.

“Currently, in New York State, employees of our farms, producers, and processing facilities are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, despite their essential status and the recommendation of the CDC,” Jacobs said. “The work they do is critical to the stability of our nation, and I have asked the Governor to consider granting them eligibility status.”

According to NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, in 2017, over 33,000 farms in New York State employed over 55,000 workers and garnered over $5.7 billion in revenue. In the same year, agriculture added over $2.4 billion to the New York State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the state ranked in the top five of all producers for 15 different agricultural products.

“Not only is agriculture a major driver of the New York economy at a time when our state is facing massive budget deficits, but it is also a matter of health and safety,” Jacobs said. “Allowing the men and women working on the frontlines in agriculture to receive the vaccine strengthens and stabilizes our food supply chain at this critical time.”

Press Release, Roy-Hart Agriculture Foundation

MIDDLEPORT – The new Royalton-Hartland Agriculture Foundation kicks off 2021 with a board of directors committed to providing investment and resources for innovative approaches to agriculture education, meeting needs of the Royalton-Hartland School District and the regional agricultural community.

Working cooperatively with the district, the RHAF plans to strengthen relationships with community leaders and businesses, increase leadership and character development opportunities for students, create a speakers bureau, arrange field trips for students and teachers, explore apprenticeship and job shadowing programs, and convene important conversations between the district and the community, said Mike Landers, president of the new foundation.

“The RHAF is separate from the district’s Board of Education,” Landers explained. “We believe we can bring countless opportunities to help the district, educators, administrators, students, parents and community. Our foundation is not responsible for any portion of the district’s budget.”

Joining Landers (Howell Motors) on the board include: Bob Confer (Confer Plastics), Dan Conley (USI Insurance Services), Mike Drum (Drum Oil & Propane), Steve Giroux (Middleport Family Health), Bob Masse (Frontier Airlines), Carisa Masse (JFK Middle School), Jeremy Silsby (Silsby Settlement Farms), Debi Sweeney (Maple View Dairy Farm) and John Sweeney (Maple View Dairy Farm). Non-voting members include Dr. Hank Stopinski, district superintendent, and Matthew Sweeney, Roy-Hart High School agriculture teacher.

A primary goal of the Foundation is to invest in creative educational programs and projects that have a significant positive impact on the lives of the students and families served. Beyond fund development, the RHAF seeks to provide networking opportunities, build relationships with stakeholder groups and the private sector, and offer culturally relevant information and training.

“In this unprecedented time for education, due to the pandemic and a reduction in state contracts, it is heartening that these high-profile community leaders are rallying others to learn about the exciting agriculture initiatives and programs in our schools,” Stopinski said. “Their leadership is gratifying to our school board, teachers and staff. The district looks forward to working with the Foundation to build a strong Agriculture Center of Excellence in the coming years.”

Provided photo: Adam Kirby holds the trophy for winning the 2019 corn yield contest in New York. He won the 2020 yield contest in the conventional irrigated category in NY.

ALBION – Adam Kirby again is on top of the corn yield contest in New York. Kirby won the contest in 2019 with a 277.0 bushel yield in the strip till, non-irrigated category.

He won another category in 2020 with a 271.8 bushel yield in the conventional irrigated category. Kirby used a Pioneer seed, P1197AM, for the winning entry.

He also was second in the strip, min, mulch, ridge-till non-irrigated category with a 273.6 yield. That was just behind Andrew Mcllroy of Pavilion at 273.8 bushels. Kirby used a Pioneer seed, P0720AM, for this entry.

Other New York winners in other categories include: conventional non-irrigated, Henry Everman of Danville at 299.8 bushels; no-till non-irrigated, Craig Phelps of Groveland at 239.2 bushels; strip, min, mulch, ridge-till irrigated, Tom Jeffres of Wyoming at 286.7 bushels.

The National Corn Growers Association announced the results of the contest last month.

Don Stall of Charlotte, Mich., produced the highest yield in the contest with a yield of 476.9 bushels per acre. That was in the conventional irrigated category.

The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 56th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.

“This contest brings farmers together to create, innovate and explore ways to optimize the nation’s largest and arguably most important crop,” said Debbie Borg, chair of NCGA’s Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. “At both the state and national levels, contest winners find new ways to excel while using a variety of techniques. Ultimately, the invention and improvement by farmers and input providers enable U.S. farmers to continue to meet the future demand for critical food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies.

Winners are traditionally honored in March during Commodity Classic. With the convention moving to a virtual format in 2021, NCGA is working with sponsors to find an alternative means to recognize the accomplishments of yield contest winners.

Destructive insect seen as threat to agriculture

Photo by Michael Houtz: The Spotted Lanternfly as an adult.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is calling on Congress to deliver $16.066 million in funding to combat the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens specialty crops, including grapes, across the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley.

In a letter to appropriators, Gillibrand called for full funding of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and specifically provide $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly, consistent with the House funding level.

“The spotted lanternfly has proven to be an invasive and destructive pest that threatens New York State’s specialty crops, especially vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley,” Gillibrand said. “If not contained, this pest will have devastating economic consequences on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes, at a time when our economy needs these industries for a strong recovery. Congress must ensure the Specialty Crop Pest program is fully funded to prevent further spread.”

The spotted lanternfly is thought to have arrived in the United States in 2012. According to Cornell University, the first infestation was found in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014.

“Although quarantine measures were taken in the infested townships and efforts were taken to eradicate this pest, spotted lanternfly has proved difficult to contain,” Gillibrand wrote Dec. 11 in a letter Sen. Richard Shelby, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. “It is imperative that this pest is contained before it further invades the Eastern Seaboard and eventually makes its spread across the United States.”

Residents urged to familiarize themselves with insect and report any sightings

Press Release, Katie Oakes, horticulture educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

Photo by Michael Houtz: The Spotted Lanternfly as an adult.

KNOWLESVILLE – A relatively new invasive species, Spotted Lanternfly Lycorma delicatula, has been discovered in New York State this fall.

This destructive insect (native to Asia) was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to several neighboring states, including just recently to New York. Most of southwestern Pennsylvania is under quarantine for this insect, restricting the movement of landscaping or construction waste, tree parts, or any other material that could harbor a life stage of the insect.

Discoveries of both live adult Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and egg masses have been found in specific areas of Staten Island, the Hudson Valley, and the Southern Tier of New York State. SLF does not sting or bite, and it does not pose a direct health hazard to pets or humans. However, SLF has the potential to severely impact the agricultural and tourism industries of NY, as well as the forests and delicate ecosystems in our natural areas.

Spotted Lanternflies are not really flies at all, but rather a type of insect called planthoppers that have specialized mouthparts that puncture plant tissue and suck the underlying sap. After sucking the plant sap, the insects will excrete a clear sticky substance called “honeydew”.

In addition to weakening the plant and making it more susceptible to other disease and insect attack due to the insect’s feeding, the excreted honeydew can cover anything below the infested area, making crops unmarketable and impeding human activity.

The honeydew itself is an annoyance, but often a black fungal growth called sooty mold will grow on the excreted honeydew, making the area beneath an infestation unsightly and difficult to clean.

Spotted Lanternfly will feed on over 70 species of plants, but the preferred hosts are the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Maples (Acer spp.) and Grapevines (Vitis spp.).

The life stages of a Spotted Lanternfly.

The biggest concern in New York is the impact this insect could have on vineyards, orchards and hardwoods. Levels of SLF in NY are currently relatively low, but have potential to increase quickly. Management of any invasive species is best done before an infestation is established.  Residents are urged to familiarize themselves with Spotted Lanternfly and report any sightings as soon as possible.

Adult SLF are about an inch to inch and a half long, grayish tan in color with black spots on their folded wings and a yellow underside to their abdomen. When their upper wings are spread, the lower wings are distinctively bright red with black spots. Adults can be active through December but will be killed off with the harsh winter temperatures.

Photo from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Spotted Lanternfly adults massing on a tree.

The insect overwinters in egg masses that were laid in late summer and fall. The egg masses are about an inch long, brownish-gray in color, and look like a clump of cracked mud (they are not hairy like a Gypsy Moth egg mass). The nymphs (juvenile SLF) will emerge from the egg masses as early as April, and they will be wingless, black with white spots. They turn red with black and white spots before transforming into the winged adult, usually around July.

SLF can hop and fly short distances, but their primary means of spreading is by human activity.  The adults can be in plant material or logs that are moved place to place. The egg masses can also be laid almost anywhere, making it extremely important to check vehicles, camping equipment, boats, outdoor gear, furniture, etc. when traveling in and around places where SLF might be present.

The infestations found in NY this past fall have been assessed by experts and a meticulous IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plan is in place to monitor and manage surrounding areas. It is likely that there are more SLF present in New York that just have not been detected yet, so it is important for the public to be aware of this invasive insect and to be vigilant in detecting and reporting any further sightings.

If you think you’ve seen Spotted Lanternfly, please report the sighting to the NYS Department of Ag and Markets via their Spotted Lanternfly Public Report. Photos and exact location will be useful.

For more information, or to inquire about this or any other invasive species, contact Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Horticulture Educator Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu.

Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture

Provided photo: Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, left, was at Goderie’s Tree Farm on Monday to promote Christmas tree farms in the state.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Monday visited Goderie’s Tree Farm in Johnstown, Fulton County, for the annual tree cutting to promote New York’s Christmas tree farms and encourage New Yorkers to shop at local agricultural businesses this holiday season.

Following State Covid-19 guidelines, New York tree farms offer families a fun and safe way to celebrate the season. By purchasing from any of the 750 local tree farms in the State, New Yorkers can support this important agricultural industry, which has an economic impact of $13.8 million, according to the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York.

Commissioner Ball said: “It is more important this year than ever that New Yorkers support local farmers and businesses when doing their holiday shopping, whether they’re looking for a Christmas tree or a delicious addition to their holiday meal. Visiting a tree farm this year to cut your own tree is great, socially distanced, and fun way to celebrate this season while supporting your local farm and the agricultural economy.”

With approximately 300,000 New York-grown trees sold by more than 750 farms in Upstate New York, the state ranks sixth in the U.S. for the number of acres dedicated to growing Christmas trees.

Robert Schoch, Interim Executive Director of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, said: “Selecting a New York State grown Christmas tree offers a family experience in the outdoors. As you visit farms, be aware that New York growers have developed safety plans to ensure that this is a safe and rewarding experience. When other holiday experiences are limited this year, selecting a New York grown tree provides an opportunity to enjoy the season and continue a family tradition.”

Pete Goderie, owner of Goderie’s Tree Farm, said: “With nearly 800 tree farms in New York State, consumers can easily support a local tree farm, providing a shot in the arm to our industry. Visiting a New York tree farm to pick your own tree is the perfect way to gather with your family this season for a holiday tradition while being safe and socially distanced.”

Cost of classic Thanksgiving dinner increases from $46.37 to $49.23

Press Release, New York Farm Bureau

File photo by Tom Rivers: These turkeys were part of the 2014 meat auction at the 4-H Fair in Knowlesville. The cost of a turkey is up about $2 compared to Thanksgiving a year ago.

New York Farm Bureau’s 2020 Market Basket Survey shows the price of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner saw a modest 6 percent uptick from last year’s meal.

The average total price, which includes a 16-pound turkey and other common items found on a holiday dinner table, is $49.23 or a $2.86 increase over last year. (The survey showed the average price for the Thanksgiving dinner was $57.54 in 2018.)

Turkey prices are about $1.41 per pound in New York State, which is about an 11% increase over last year’s average price in this informal survey. Prices found by volunteer shoppers ranged from $.68/lb. to $1.69/lb. This price is above the national average of $1.21/lb. As we move closer to Thanksgiving, turkey prices may continue to drop in the stores, reflecting sales in the final days before the holiday.

The New York numbers revealed price increases in several categories including for a gallon of whole milk, Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Mix, fresh cranberries and a 14-ounce package of cubed stuffing. Some ingredients saw decreases. These include whipping cream and a carrot/celery veggie tray.

This year’s survey also includes a more notable increase for an expanded menu that includes a four-pound ham, five-pound bag of russet potatoes and a package of frozen green beans. When those prices are included, the total meal price jumps to $64.31, more than $4 over last year’s number.

The survey highlights that the classic meal remains affordable with a price point of under five dollars per person for a 10-person meal. The affordability demonstrates that although farmers and ranchers dealt with significant issues this year related to market and distribution disruptions due to the pandemic, consumers are still benefiting from relatively low retail prices, in part because the actual cost of the food – the portion paid to farmers – is only eight cents of each dollar consumers spend on food at the store.

“It has been a challenging year for every New Yorker, but farmers haven’t stopped doing what we do best, growing quality, nutritious food. Market disruptions have affected some prices, but overall, our volunteer shoppers found the traditional dinner remains affordable for many shoppers,” said Darleen Krisher-Meehan, chair of New York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee. “While the holiday season may look a little different this year, we should all give thanks that our food supply remains strong and stable thanks to our farmers and employees who have proven to be essential workers in 2020.”

This survey is one of the responsibilities of the NYFB State Promotion and Education Committee and is part of the national effort with the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF’s 35th annual informal national price survey found the average national cost of this year’s feast is $46.90, about $2 less than New York’s number.

New York Farm Bureau’s volunteer shoppers sampled prices at 14 different supermarkets throughout the state trying to get the best prices available, but they did not use promotional coupons or special deals such as “buy one-get one free.” They were also encouraged to use online shopping because of the pandemic.

The shopping list includes 15 common Thanksgiving food items ranging from turkey and rolls to stuffing and celery to pumpkin pie mix, enough to feed 10 people around the dinner table. An average for miscellaneous ingredients, like flour and butter, is also included. The 2020 Thanksgiving survey displayed considerable price variation across the state. The best advice for shoppers is to compare prices to save money.

For more on the survey, click here.

Group looks to improve tracking and tracing system for produce grown in the state

File photo by Tom Rivers – Dirk Biemans co-owner and CEO of Intergrow Greenhouses, built its first 15-acre greenhouse in the Town of Gaines in 2003. The company has done multiple expansions since then. Biemans is serving on the new Produce Traceability Blue Ribbon Task Force. The company recently started construction on a new site in Ontario, Wayne County.

A new state task force includes agricultural leaders from throughout the state, including three with Orleans County connections.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced on Friday the members of the Produce Traceability Blue Ribbon Task Force, which met for the first time Thursday.

The task force, which is made up of New York farmers and representatives from produce distributors and retailers. The task force will build on New York’s leadership in food safety practices, Ball said.

The task force will review and make recommendations to further advance New York’s tracking and tracing system for produce grown in the state. An improved system will help consumers to more easily identify where products were grown and processed and allow the state to more quickly trace the origin of a product during foodborne illness investigations.

“We look forward to the work of this taskforce as a next step in the evolution of our food safety mission,” Ball said. “Food safety is everyone’s business, and this task force consists of all parts of the produce supply chain— from the farmer that grows our fruits and vegetables to the distribution center that sorts and/or bags it to the retailer who sells it. Understanding the sophisticated tracking systems that are already in place and how those systems communicate throughout the supply chain is key to supporting our farms, strengthening our food system, and reducing foodborne illness.”

Dirk Biemans, co-owner and president of Intergrow Greenhouses on Route 98 in Gaines, is a member of the task force. The company grows tomatoes hydroponically, offering consistent size and taste throughout the year.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Steven Karr, CEO of Pride Pak, gives a tour of the 68,000-square-foot vegetable processing site in Medina on Nov. 30, 2016. The company trims lettuce and packages it for salads for Wegmans.

Steven Karr, CEO of Pride Pak, and his son Angelo, Pride Pak vice president, opened a new vegetable processing facility on Maple Ridge Road in Medina in November 2016. They are both on the new state task force.

Pride Pak’s new 68,000-square-foot facility in Medina trims  lettuce and packaging it for salads for Wegmans. Medina gives the company a U.S. site. Pride Pak also has facilities in Mississaugua and Newfoundland. It is the largest vegetable processor in Canada, and 35 percent of its produce comes to the U.S.

Pride Pak currently gets most of its lettuce, baby spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, carrots and other vegetables from Yuma in Arizona, California and Oregon.

Kaari Stannard, owner of New York Apple Sales, Inc., also is on the task force. She has served as chairwoman of the U.S. Apple Association. She is a partner in both Pomona Packing and Lake Ontario Fruit, which are apple packing facilities located in western New York. Stannard is also a partner in Fish Creek Orchards, located in Orleans County. Lake Ontario Fruit also is in Orleans County on Ridge Road in Gaines.

The complete list of members of the Task Force are:

• Dr. Elizabeth Bihn, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Mike Durant, Food Industry Alliance
• Steve Ball, Wegmans
• Jim Calvin, New York Association of Convenience Stores
• Michael King, Krasdale Foods
• Renee St. Jacques, New York Farm Bureau
• Dale Ila Riggs, New York State Berry Growers Association
• Bethany Wallis, Northeast Organic Farming Association
• Joy Crist, Crist Bros. Orchards
• Jim Bittner, Bittner-Singer Farm
• Paulette Satur, Satur Farm
• Steve and Angelo Karr, Pride Pak
• Erica Battisti, Stewarts Shops
• Michael Muzyk, Baldor Specialty Food
• Jim Hans, Driscoll’s
• Kaari Stannard, NYS Apple Sales
• Luke George, Upstate Growers & Packers
• Dirk Biemans, Intergrow
• Alisha Albinder, Hudson River Fruit Packers
• Darby Greco, NYS Department of Health

Currently the Food and Drug Administration does not require a tracing system for produce. Unlike manufactured products, which are traceable through serial numbers, consumers generally cannot identify where fresh produce was grown.

In addition to the health and safety risks, this is costly to the entire supply chain, from the producers to retailers.

Kaari Stannard is a New York apple marketer, packer and grower.

The task force will analyze today’s existing tracking and tracing system, identify potential gaps and areas in need of improvement, and recommend uniform operating standards and practices for each point of the supply chain. This will provide consumers with more information about the source of the food they eat and expedite investigations of foodborne illness.

“New York State’s focus on traceability through the Produce Traceability Blue Ribbon Task Force is truly forward thinking,” said Betsy Bihn, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University Director of the Produce Safety Alliance. “With the FDA proposing to establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements, it is imperative to understand current practices as well as any challenges that are preventing effective produce traceability from farm to fork. As the Cornell CALS representative, I am grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate this discussion as this work is important for food safety, but also important for NY growers and consumers.”

Mike Durant, President/CEO of the Food Industry Alliance of NYS, Inc., said, “New York’s retail food industry is committed to ensuring quality products to our customers and promoting food safety is paramount to that effort. As the industry evolves, so too does the entire food supply chain. This task force will be a collaborative effort to both further advance best practices in food safety and help preserve public trust. We are pleased to be part of this important effort.”

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Press Release, Assemblyman Mike Norris

Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) has written to the New York Farm Labor Wage Board to ask them to freeze the overtime provisions for farm laborers at its current limitation of 60 hours per week.

Norris was opposed to the creation of the wage board and voted against the legislation in the first place because he felt it delegated authority away from the state Legislature and placed unreasonable restrictions on the agricultural community – a community and leading economic industry that faces unpredictable factors, such as weather, and is in need of flexibility.

“As we have seen just this year alone with the pandemic, there was a greater need for locally-produced food because of travel restrictions and production being slowed down elsewhere; however, because of this new requirement many farmers in our state have had to cut back on their plans in order to afford a more limited staff,” said Norris. “Ultimately, it is the consumer who suffers, and our state is less competitive. Grocery stores will be stocking cheaper items from out of state when they can because that’s what will drive sales.”

During this pandemic shutdown, the wage board began holding limited hearings online and is now considering reducing the workweek even further beyond the established 60 hours. With farmers already stretched too thin, Norris hopes the wage board will delay any consideration of further restrictions until after the pandemic is resolved, if not permanently.

“We must give our farms a fighting chance to survive in New York,” he said. “Our agricultural community provides us with our necessary food supply and we must do everything possible to keep them fully operational especially during this pandemic.”

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