Farm Bill and Labor Issues Topics at Hochul Agriculture Roundtable In Genesee County

Press Release

This morning, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY-26) held a roundtable conversation with local farmers and elected officials to discuss the Farm Bill as well as issues affecting the agriculture community in New York's 26th District.

"I'm happy to have had the opportunity to meet with Genesee County's farmers and hear from them directly on issues like the Farm Bill and overly burdensome regulations," said Rep. Hochul. "Our district is the top seller of agricultural products in the state, producing more than $700 million in products every year, including $178 million coming from Genesee County alone. It is critical that Washington bureaucrats take a practical look at the current agricultural regulations and find ways to ensure our family farms are able to run as efficiently as possible. I will continue to work with local farmers to find solutions to the challenges facing Western New York agriculture."

"Congressman Hochul continues to ask "what can I do to help' whether it's in reference to the Farm Bill, H-2A reform or with I-9 audits. She plays offense when the rest of Congress plays defense. Not only does she "do' but she is also willing to "do more,'" said Sarah Noble Moag, the Business Manager at Noblehurst Farms, Inc.

Hochul discussed with Genesee farmers the urgent need for a Farm Bill and its current status in the legislative process, the importance of identifying and amending burdensome regulations, and ways to foster the education and careers of aspiring farmers.

Recently, Rep. Hochul spoke on the floor calling on the House to take action on the Farm Bill and provide certainty to Western New York farmers in the coming year.

Rep. Hochul has a record of protecting Western New York agricultural producers from onerous federal regulations. She is a cosponsor of the Preserving America's Family Farms Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent the Department of Labor from finalizing controversial rules that would prohibit young people from gaining hands-on agricultural experience and job skills. Hochul also partnered with Rep. Tom Reed (NY-29) to introduce the Chesapeake Bay State and Local Backstop Limitation Act, which would save farmers, businesses, and municipalities millions of dollars by allowing New York to continue successfully protecting our water and preventing the EPA from recklessly expanding regulations.

Genesee County is home to over 550 farms covering 183,539 acres of land and is the top county in New York State for value of production in vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Rep. Hochul is a member of the House Dairy Caucus and House Specialty Crop Caucus. This is the fifth agriculture roundtable hosted by Hochul.

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