State Ag. Commissioner Delivers Annual Address

SYRACUSE—New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered his 2024 State of Agriculture Address at the 192nd New York State Agricultural Society Annual Forum on Thursday, January 11. In keeping with this year’s forum theme of “Harnessing Regenerative Business,” Ball outlined the state’s goals in boosting the agricultural industry and increasing production while also fighting climate change. Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State plan, announced the same week, features a number of new programs and initiatives that aim to build a more resilient agriculture sector.

Among other programs, the state will provide $34 million for on-farm milk storage and processing infrastructure, $21 million for alternative waste management and enhanced precision feed programs, and key investments in the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition of Soil and Water Conservation districts. There will also be increased support for agricultural education and workforce development.

“We are all working through a number of concerns and uncertainties, from disruptions in the marketplace and skyrocketing inflation impacting our farmers and the people we serve, to labor and immigration challenges, the ever-increasing threat of climate change, and everything in between,” Ball said. “But I believe we were designed for such purposes and no problem is too big for us if we work together. Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities for us to become stronger, more resilient.

Ball highlighted the department’s continued work alongside its many partners to ensure a strengthened food supply chain. A recording of the speech will be available on the New York State Agricultural Society’s YouTube channel, and a transcript may be found at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/2024-state-agriculture-address.