Maloney Announces New Legislation to Help Beginning Hudson Valley Farmers

Press Release

Following a roundtable with Hudson Valley farmers at Soons Orchard in April and extensive discussion with his agricultural advisory board, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced new legislation to help beginning farmers. The Beginning Farmer Agenda Act is a comprehensive approach to supporting the next generation of farmers. This bill would invest in land conservation to help new farmers acquire land, add new resources for farmers at USDA and invest in the development of local and regional food systems.

"Our hardworking farmers create thousands of jobs and bring back over one hundred million dollars a year to our Hudson Valley economy," said Rep. Maloney, Member of the House Agriculture Committee. "We need the next generation to power this incredible economic engine, but too often beginning farmers are feeling shut out -- they deserve a government that is willing to be their partner. Working together to give our young and beginning farmers the tools they need to succeed, we can continue to grow local foods and jobs while powering our local economy for generations to come."

"Congressman Maloney has been a relentless advocate for the Hudson Valley's agriculture community since day one," said Assemblyman James Skoufis. "New farmers in their 20s and 30s often face significant, if not impossible, financial challenges to beginning a career in agriculture; Congressman Maloney's legislation is critical to assisting our next generation of farmers develop their careers, preserve open space, and feed the millions of people in our region."

Rep. Maloney has heard from young farmers, especially in the Hudson Valley, that they are struggling to get access to the land, resources and markets. According to the most recent census data, Agriculture showed a 4.3% decline in the number of principal farmers compared with 2007. The report also found that the average age of principal farmers has continued to rise -- causing concern amongst key stakeholders that the industry is not attracting enough new entrants to the industry. New York state has lost more than 4,000 farms since the 1980s. Today, less than 5% of farmland statewide is protected. New York's agricultural industry generates billions of dollars for the state, and creates thousands of jobs. Particularly important in the Hudson Valley, estimates suggest that New York City alone has an unmet demand for locally sourced food of nearly $900m each year.

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