The Partial Observer by Brett Patrick

New York Farmers Need Conservation Funding in Farm Bill

Although many think of the bright lights of the Big Apple when they think of New York, the Empire State has much to offer beyond Manhattan’s bustling island. This often overlooked facet of the Empire State is not merely a backdrop to the urban spectacle but a vital cornerstone of our nation’s agricultural landscape. Specifically, New York is home to 7 million acres of farmland, which feed the rest of our country.

This year, we must heed the call of New York’s farmers and lend them the support they so urgently require from Congress.

Our state leads the nation in dairy farming, and our apple, wine, and maple syrup production are nearly unmatched. The tireless farmers who ensure that these products make it from land to market are, in fact, also our nation’s original conservationists. These industries, woven into the fabric of our state’s identity, are not just economic engines but embodiments of a tradition deeply rooted in the soil of our land. Their needs cannot be forgotten this year during the reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

Importantly, the Farm Bill includes vital programs to support our farmers and their land. This is particularly important considering agriculture generated around $3.3 billion in GDP and $1 billion in wages in the state in 2021. Ensuring the long-term success of the farming industry in New York is vital to our economy and our environment. The Conservation Title, or Title II, includes voluntary conservation programs that put money in farmers’ pockets and incentivize practices that keep farmland healthy and productive for years to come.

For instance, the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides farmers with the technical assistance they need to implement conservation practices such as crop rotation and cover cropping. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is another popular program that explicitly supports farmers for projects that help conserve their lands, improve water quality, and mitigate the effects of extreme weather. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture could only fund a fraction of applicants because so many farmers applied to the voluntary programs.

These programs are incredibly popular among farmers, so much so that they are up to 70 percent oversubscribed, meaning the USDA can only fund some applicants who want to engage in the programs. Here in New York’s 19th Congressional District, a majority of voters say that they would be more likely to have a favorable impression of a member of Congress who voted to preserve these financial incentives and conservation programs. Considering the additional funding allocated last year only went to a small number of applicants, it’s clear that these programs must be continued in the next iteration of the Farm Bill.

Not only that, but these programs are already in action here in New York State. The Brink Family Farm, located in New Woodstock, is a prime example of these programs at work. The award-winning dairy operation can be productive because of the family’s efforts to ensure their lands are stewarded well and resilient against environmental factors like drought and extreme weather.

Through their dedication, they have cultivated an award-winning dairy operation and fortified their land against the ravages of climate change. Their tireless efforts and the support of conservation programs exemplify the harmonious coexistence of agriculture and environmental stewardship. Theirs is a story of resilience, made possible by the support of conservation initiatives, and it serves as a beacon of inspiration for farmers across the state.

As we chart the course forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to New York’s farmers, recognizing them not only as producers of food but as guardians of our land and architects of a sustainable future. By standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with our farming communities, we can honor our agricultural heritage’s rich legacy and the imperative of environmental conservation. In doing so, we secure the livelihoods of those who feed our nation and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient environment for future generations.

Brett Patrick is a Young Voices contributor and campus ambassador for the American Conservation Coalition Action in Binghamton. ACC Action is a nonprofit organization mobilizing the conservative environmental movement in favor of commonsense, effective action.