More than 350 farmers, lawmakers, and industry leaders packed the State Capitol this week for New York Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York Reception and Lobby Day.
The two-day event brought members from across the state to Albany to showcase New York’s agricultural products and press legislators on key issues facing farms and agribusinesses.
The Taste of New York Reception featured 90 tables highlighting the state’s diverse agricultural market. Attendees sampled beef, microgreens, honey, ice cream, wines, craft brews, produce, cheese, oysters, maple products, and more.
On Lobby Day, County Farm Bureau members joined the organization’s public policy staff to meet with legislators and staffers. Members discussed funding for agricultural animal health, promotion, research, and environmental programs in the final FY 26/27 state budget.
They also pushed for increased investment in Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, extension of the refundable investment tax credit for farmworker housing construction, and moving product marketing and research orders to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Farm Bureau members raised concerns about overtime requirements, renewable energy mandates, and the need for common-sense timelines tied to grid capacity. They supported legislation to develop a Clean Fuel Standard and funding for the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health to research temperature-related working conditions before new mandates take effect.
Members also urged lawmakers to exempt agricultural businesses from Extended Producer Responsibility legislation until the state funds a practical recycling program. They asked that fire, rescue, library, and other taxing districts use agricultural assessment values when calculating property taxes.
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Taste of New York is a fantastic showcase of the amazing diversity of our agricultural products across the state, and it’s a fun way to network with our members and agricultural partners. It’s a great precursor to Lobby Day, which is critical to the future of agricultural programs and funding.”
Fisher said members and staff met with more than 175 legislators and staffers. “We appreciate the one-on-one time we get with legislators, who are generally very receptive to hearing from us. There is nothing more effective than sharing real stories from real farmers.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, said the event helps people understand the connection between agriculture and the statewide economy. “Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York event is always a must-visit, showcasing some of the best agricultural products our state has to offer,” she said.
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, called the reception a chance to experience the “breadth and depth of New York’s farm economy.” She said her goal remains to prioritize the needs of the industry.
Senator George Borrello, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said Lobby Day ensures farmers’ voices are heard clearly in Albany. Assemblymember Chris Tague, Ranking Member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, thanked the Farm Bureau for advocating for farmers and called for securing investments in research and proven agricultural programs in this year’s budget.
New York Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agricultural advocacy organization and describes itself as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.”
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