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 has dropped compared to Thanksgiving a year ago.

Press Release, NY Farm Bureau

The 2017 Market Basket Survey reveals a nearly 10% price decrease for the average Thanksgiving Day dinner over last year’s meal, according to New York Farm Bureau. The average total price this year, which includes a 16-pound turkey, is $44.74. This is a $1.89 decrease over last year’s survey of $46.63.

Turkey prices are about $1.34 per pound in New York State, down more than 9 percent on average in this informal survey compared to 2016. This drop in price is reflected in national numbers.

According to the USDA, wholesale whole turkey prices fell in 2017 and have remained below historical averages since January. Lower retail turkey prices are a result from continued large inventory in cold storage, which is up almost double digits since last year.

The New York numbers also reflect slightly higher pumpkin prices. A wet season led to a smaller pumpkin crop than what we saw last year in New York, though there is no national supply problem due to abundance in pumpkin production in other states that supply pie mix manufacturers. The increase may be attributed to higher production costs. In addition, milk prices have remained low throughout 2017. While this continues to be tough on farmers, consumers have benefited with lower whole milk prices.

New York Farm Bureau’s volunteer shoppers sampled prices in different regions of the state trying to get the best prices available, but they do not use promotional coupons or special deals such as “buy one-get one free.”

The shopping list includes 12 Thanksgiving food items ranging from turkey and rolls to fresh carrots and celery to pumpkin pie mix, enough to feed 10 people around the dinner table.

“The dinner price has dropped for a second consecutive year which means New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a reasonably priced Thanksgiving meal,” said Phyllis Couture, chairwoman of New York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee. “While farmers continue to struggle with lower commodity prices across the board, American consumers benefit from lower prices at the cash register. Much of this is due to New York farmers who work hard to produce an abundance of healthy, nutritious food. They take pride in knowing their products help make for a joyous and affordable holiday season.”

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $1.25 million in funding is available through two grant programs designed to assist farmers across the state. The New Farmers Grant Fund helps new and early-stage farmers, and the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund supports farms owned and operated by military veterans. Both programs are designed to promote growth and development in the state’s agriculture industry.

“Agriculture remains a major sector of our economy and by supporting the development of early-stage farmers, these businesses will continue to provide fresh, local produce for New Yorkers across the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “This grant fund will bolster our agricultural industry by providing both veterans and farmers the support they need to expand, and thrive.”

New Farmers Grant Fund

Now in its fourth round, the $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, all farm business owners must be within the first ten years of having an ownership interest in any farm business, and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm. Eligible project costs include the purchase of machinery, equipment, supplies, and the construction or improvement of agricultural structures.

More than $1 million was awarded to 27 new and early-stage farms across the state in the third round of the New Farmers Grant Fund. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided nearly $2.5 million to over 65 farms across the state to expand operations and improve profitability.

Veterans Farmer Grant Fund

A new $250,000 grant program, the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund, will also provide grants of up to $50,000 for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, at least 50 percent of the farm business must be owned, operated and controlled by a veteran, as defined in the program guidelines. The farm must also have a minimum of $10,000 in farm income; however, this program is not limited to beginning farmers. Eligible project costs are the same as for the New Farmers Grant Fund.

Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the grant funds. The applications and guidelines for the New Farmers Grant Fund and the Veterans Farm Grant Fund are available online. The deadline for submission is January 26, 2018.

These grant programs are central to the state’s efforts to grow New York’s agricultural industry through strategic investments in the next generation of farmers. Currently, the average age of New York farmers is approximately 55. At the same time, there is greater interest from women, veterans, new Americans, and others in beginning a career or starting a second career in farming.

This year, at the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets established a Beginning Farmer Program, including a one-stop shop, to help these groups overcome obstacles to entering the profession and maintaining a successful agricultural operation in New York. Through the program, the Department launched a statewide listening tour to address challenges facing early-stage farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them. Additional resources for new or prospective farmers are available on the Department’s website, or by contacting the one-stop shop at (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Governor Cuomo has brought a new focus to advancing agriculture in New York State and because of his commitment, there are so many new opportunities. Innovative initiatives like these grant programs are helping to pave the way for the next generation of farmers, including our veterans whose experience in the military make them uniquely qualified for jobs on the farm. We are proud to help administer this critical funding and support the future of our industry.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Securing capital is one of the greatest challenges for beginning farmers looking to get their new businesses off the ground. These grants can be the seeds to growing the future of farming, and New York Farm Bureau appreciates the focus on new farmers who have much to offer the agricultural community, including veterans who possess unique skills well suited for farming.”

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Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Amelia Targa, a kindergartner at Albion, paints a pumpkin today as part of a Fall Festival organized by the Albion FFA. About 600 elementary students have been part of the festival the past two days. Besides a series of activities at the FFA Ag Shop, student were able to walk in a corn maze at the district’s Land Lab.

The pumpkins were donated by Panek Farms. Nesbitt Farms also donated apples and cider pressed by Roberts Farms in Medina.

Garrett Derisley, the FFA president, waits for the next class to stop by the Ag Shop.

Sarah Gregori helps Daniel Dash, a kindergartner in Mrs. Krull’s class, leave a handprint on a poster that will be added to the classroom. Each elementary class that attended the Fall Festival was able to make a poster with hand prints.

Dalton Wilkins talks about corn with this class. Dalton said a typical ear of corn has about 800 kernels. Corn is a popular food for just about every type of livestock, he said.

Fjolla Bela, a member of the FFA, carries in mini pumpkins to be painted by the elementary students.

Alaina Fleming demonstrates how to use an apple press for these students.

FFA members Ben Restivo, center, and Nick Sacco, right, take questions about a combine.

Taylor Walczak gets plates of paint ready at the pumpkin-painting station.

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Photo by Tom Rivers: Workers harvest cabbage on Route 98 in Gaines last month.

Congressman wants program streamlined, expanded to include dairy farms

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) met with United States Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today to discuss expanding the H-2A Agricultural Visa program. This program allows agriculture employers to hire workers on a temporary basis to fill seasonal jobs.

Under the current program, America’s agricultural employers that require year-round workers are met with challenges as it relates to finding a legal, experienced workforce. The H-2A visa program does not currently provide a category for year-round livestock workers, including dairy. Both crop and livestock farmers depend on affordable labor, yet an oversight in the H-2A program has put the latter at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining workers.

“I’ve talked with hard-working farmers across Western New York who are struggling because they are unable to retain year-round workers,” said Collins. “Our dairy farmers especially are burdened with an H-2A program that does not allow them to hire the individuals they need to milk cows, feed livestock, and maintain the herd.”

The agriculture industry is vital to the Western New York economy. Collins’ Congressional District includes almost 5,000 farms which produce more than $1 billion of products sold each year.

Collins said one area of the H-2A program that needs improvement includes changing eligibility to include year-round agricultural operations such as dairy, nursery, and fresh cut operations. The meeting with Secretary Acosta was based on the fact that the Department of Labor (USDOL) has the ability to make rule changes that would immediately amend program guidelines.

“I urged Secretary Acosta to take action on this issue now. Western New York’s and America’s farmers can’t continue to be burdened by these ineffective rules and regulations while waiting for Congress to act,” Collins added.

Collins was joined by Members of Congress from across the United States who also discussed streamlining the H-2A application process. Recommendations presented would reduce redundancies and improve operating efficiencies.

“I am committed to working with President Trump, Secretary Acosta and my colleagues in Congress to make the necessary reforms that are good for our agriculture industry, and in turn, good for our economy.”

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Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – First-graders from Clarence ride the Watt’s Orchard Express on Thursday as part of a tour and visit to Watt Farms Country Market on Route 98.

The Clarence students were the first school group to visit the farm this school year. Watt Farms usually hosts 15 to 20 school tours each year. The farm is located at 3121 Oak Orchard Rd.

Cindy Munich, one of the first grade teachers, has been bringing her students to Watt’s for the past seven to eight years.

“They really love it,” she said about the first-graders. “They love to go to the apple orchard and see all of the peaches growing.”

Karen Watt talks about the critical role of bees in pollinating the flowers for the apples and other fruit.

“The boy bees do nothing,” Watt told the kids. “The girl bees do all of the work.”

The farm also demonstrates how to make cider, before the kids head out on the train to pick apples.

The Orchard Express returns after taking kids out to pick apples and see the orchard.

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BATAVIA – Genesee Community College will host an event on Aug.30 for a beginning farmer initiative through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Conable Technology Building, Room T121, One College Road, Batavia.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball is starting a statewide listening tour to support early-stage and prospective farmers.

Joined by state and industry partners, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will host six town hall-style meetings across the State to address challenges and concerns facing beginning farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them.

Seneca Falls is hosting the first event on Aug. 9 at Empire Farm Days. (Click here to see the schedule.)

These sessions build on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State initiative to establish a beginning farmer program, which includes a one-stop shop for new or future farmers to learn about various government and non-profit programs designed to benefit them.

“There are a lot of exciting things happening in New York agriculture, but for farmers just starting out, it can seem overwhelming. We want them to know their success is our priority,” Commissioner Ball said. “We are here to help them navigate the process and understand the resources at their fingertips. This listening tour is also an opportunity for us to gain valuable feedback directly from the industry on how the State can better support current and future farmers.”

In addition to holding these listening sessions, the Department also serves as a one-stop shop for new farmers and those interested in farming as a second career. This new resource provides support to farmers in starting, diversifying, or expanding an agricultural operation.

The one-stop shop offers individual assistance to early-stage and potential farmers on job training, land ownership, farm financing, compliance, marketing and other areas critical to starting a farm operation.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Agriculture is a crucial component of New York State’s economy and providing early-stage farmers with State funding and resources helps promote job creation and industry sustainability.”

The average age of New York State farmers today is approximately 55, increasing the likelihood that many of them will be opting to retire or scaling back their operations. At the same time, there is a growing interest from women, veterans, new Americans, and others in beginning a career or starting a second career in farming.

At the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets has established a Beginning Farmer Program, including a one-stop shop, to help these groups overcome obstacles to entering the profession and launch a successful agricultural operation in New York.

The program focuses on four priority areas: access to land; capital and financing; business and technical assistance; mentorship, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Additional resources for beginning farmers are available on the Department’s website (click here), or by contacting the one-stop shop at (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov.

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ALBION – This photo shows workers at a dairy farm in northern New York. It’s part of a photo exhibit by Lisa Catalfamo-Fiores from Kingsbury, near Glens Falls. She took a series of photos over two years that show farmworkers. She also travelled to Mexico to show the photographs to the workers’ families.

“DREAM of America: Separation & Sacrifice in the Lives of North Country Latino Immigrants” is on display at The Salih Gallery in Albion until Aug. 19. The gallery at 24 East Bank St. is open Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It needs to be seen, especially in Orleans County because we have a significant population of migrant workers,” Idris Salih, gallery owner, said during an opening reception. “It’s a compelling exhibit. It has an emotional pull to it. It is intimate.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Maria Gomes Neilans is shown with some of the pottery she created through the “Voices from the Earth” program, which will be displayed in a gallery in Albion through Aug. 19. She is shown with Deborah Wilson, who leads a pottery at the World Life Institute in Waterport. Farmworkers make the pottery, which is entirely handmade from earthenware clay. Most are glazed in an array of lively colors. They range from baking dishes and platters to fanciful garden fountains and jars with tropical vines and lizards.

Catalfamo-Fiores lives on a small farm in Kingsbury with her husband Omar, 20 milking goats, 250 chickens, and 4 dogs. A school social worker for the past 18 years, she is also an advocate and volunteer with her local Hispanic community.

Her photos represent separated family members of Latino workers in the North Country.

“Consistently, the message conveyed while visiting families was one of sadness and frustration,” Catalfamo-Fiores writes in a message as part of the exhibit. “However, in each home visited I was welcomed warmly and shown gracious hospitality. Parents spoke of longing to physically embrace children and in some cases, grandchildren they have never met. Children of workers eagerly listened for any details of their parents’ lives here in New York. Wives spoke of the challenges of raising children alone and the struggle of daily life so far from their spouses. Most poignant, I arrived as a stranger and after these emotional visits, left with a feeling of authentic connection and appreciation.”

A worker named Chuy is an assistant herdsman at a dairy farm in northern New York.

Chuy started working at a dairy farm in Northern NY in 2004 when he was 17. He is now the assistant herdsman at dairy farm. He financially supports his wife and daughter locally, and his parents and younger brothers in Mexico.

“I miss the hugs…” Chuy, with tears in his eyes, told the photographer.

Catalfamo-Fiores showed Chuy’s mother a picture of her son working at a dairy farm.

“This is the first picture I’ve seen of him in six years,” Chuy’s mother said. “His youngest brother was 1 year old when he left for the U.S. I’m longing to see and hug my son.”

The photo exhibit will be on the move, going on tour around the state. GO-Art! is the first arts council to display it after its debut last year in Glens Falls.

Gregory Hallock, GO-Art! executive director, pushed to have the exhibit displayed locally.

“There is so much negative press about immigration,” Hallock said. “This is a chance to see another side. I want people to have some empathy.”

This family in Mexico holds photos of loved ones that working at farms in northern NY.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

BATAVIA – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was in Batavia this afternoon to announce the sale of the former Dairy Farmers of America plant in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia to dairy processor HP Hood LLC.

The plant, which was originally constructed by Muller-Quaker to process yogurt, was later purchased by DFA, a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative in 2016. HP Hood will invest more than $200 million over several years and create 230 new jobs in New York State over five years.

“This major commitment from one of the nation’s most prominent dairy companies will inject new life into the community, creating hundreds of jobs and spurring new investment in the Finger Lakes,” Governor Cuomo said. “Agriculture and food processing is a key pillar of economic growth in our Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan, and this latest investment shows that our multi-pronged strategy for growing the region’s economy is working.”

Rick Smith, President and CEO of DFA, said, “We originally made a strategic decision to purchase this plant, as it’s in an important milk shed for the industry and this area. Our primary goal was to ensure that this facility remained active in dairy for the long term. We explored opportunities with more than a dozen dairy companies and think HP Hood is a great fit to serve the local milk shed and community.”

John A. Kaneb, President and CEO of HP Hood LLC, said, “We are fortunate that our need for more capacity coincided with an opportunity to expand our capabilities in the great State of New York. We have been welcomed by a resourceful and business savvy team at the Genesee County Economic Development Center and we look forward to becoming a supportive member of the local community and an employer of choice.”

Hood will repurpose the 363,000-square-foot, idle state-of-the-art processing facility to produce extended-shelf-life beverages. The company will also construct a 100,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse.

Hood plans to commence construction this summer and begin operating by the second quarter of 2019. Construction will create 524 jobs with a payroll of nearly $26 million. Hood has four other manufacturing locations in New York that manufacture fluid and cultured dairy products such as milk, cream, cottage cheese and sour cream.

Members of the community seeking to inquire about employment opportunities are encouraged to call 1-800-428-6329.

To support the project, Empire State Development will provide up to $5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2 million capital grant from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The Genesee County Economic Development Center board will also amend the current PILOT, which will provide Hood with more than $7 million in tax abatements over 10 years, with an anticipated total economic benefit to the region of more than $330 million.

HP Hood, headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, is a 170-year-old company that does more than $2 billion in business annually.  It has four New York State production facilities in Vernon, Oneida, Arkport and Lafargeville.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “New York’s agriculture and farming industry is one of the most prestigious in the nation, and this tremendous investment by one of the country’s most highly-regarded dairy companies proves we are creating a world-class dairy and farming economy right here in Genesee County.

“Economic development is paramount to our state’s success, and this is an important step toward bolstering our regional economy and creating hundreds of local jobs. I would like to thank all the state and local leaders who have made this possible and I look forward to continued success growing Western New York.”

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‘Requiring farmers to get either the EPA or Army Corps’ approval before farming would have been a nightmare.’ – Jim Bittner, Niagara County Farm Bureau president

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins and local Farm Bureau presidents applauded the Trump Administration’s decision to either rescind or revise the Waters of The United States (WOTUS) rule imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Obama administration.

“This rule was an example of reckless government overreach, that brought undue burdens to farmers in Western New York,” said Collins. “I was proud to lead the bipartisan effort in Congress to scrap the WOTUS rule and applaud President Trump and Administrator Pruitt for taking this common sense step to support our nation’s agriculture industry.”

Both Congressman Collins and Farm Bureaus located within New York’s 27th Congressional District have been vocal in their opposition to the WOTUS rule.

(Editor’s note: The rule, which has been delayed in its implementation, extended existing federal pollution protections of large bodies of water to smaller bodies that flow into them, such as rivers, small waterways and wetlands.)

In May 2014, Congressman Collins led a bipartisan letter signed by more than 200 members of Congress to former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Department of the Army Secretary John McHugh outlining concerns related to this rule. Collins believed the WOTUS rule was “built on incomplete scientific study and a flawed economic analysis” and formally requested the rule be returned to their respective agencies.

“Farmers are simply trying to provide for their family, community, and the nation, so it is unfortunate the federal government imposed this type of rule in the first place,” said Jeffrey Simons, President of the Erie County Farm Bureau. “Plain and simple, more federal regulations will make it harder for farmers to do their job. Today’s decision is a tremendous victory for Erie County farmers, and I want to thank Congressman Collins for fighting on our behalf since the beginning.”

“The WOTUS rule was an overreach since it was first proposed and we’ve seen the negative impact it has had and would continue to have on our local agriculture industry,” said Christian Yunker, President of the Genesee County Farm Bureau. “In the end, common sense prevailed and everyone’s hard work has paid off. I appreciate all of Congressman Collins efforts—this is fantastic news for all of agriculture, not just here in Genesee County.”

“When the WOTUS rule was first proposed, we knew this was a blatant overreach by the EPA,” said Jim Bittner, President of the Niagara County Farm Bureau. “This rule would have had negative effects on practically every piece of farmland here in Niagara County. Congressman Collins understood this from the beginning, because requiring farmers to get either the EPA or Army Corps’ approval before farming would have been a nightmare. We’re very glad to hear this rule will be rescinded.”

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