Issues in Hudson Valley agriculture discussed ahead of farm bill

HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Agriculture in the Hudson Valley yields a wide range of crops.

And with them comes a unique set of issues.

"The Hudson Valley was once known as the breadbasket of New York," said Josh Morgenthau, owner of Fishkill Farms. "And I believe we can become that again."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand hosted a discussion with local farmers at Fishkill Farms about what problems impacted Hudson Valley agriculture, with the goal of compiling ideas for the next farm bill.

"The next Farm Bill is still two years away, but we must address our farmers’ current problems while looking forward to make the Farm Bill as strong as possible," Gillibrand said. "It is crucial that the agriculture community continues to speak out and share their concerns, and that we listen to them so that we can come up with good solutions to ensure our farms prosper."

Issues on the table ranged from labor and immigration to crop insurance.

"The survival of farming in the Hudson Valley is a matter of food and economic security for all New Yorkers," Morgenthau said. "Progress has been made, but with higher labor costs, less federal and state support, and more development pressure than other farming regions, our farms continue to go out of business."

While the introduction of crop insurance with the last farm bill helped, Morgenthau said it was crucial to expand it after an unseasonably warm winter devastated his fruit crops. Fishkill Farms lost its entire peach, nectarine and apricot yield, as well as 50 percent of its apples.

"Weather like this is an existential threat to farms, and while we were fortunate enough that we didn't have to lay off a single employee, others weren't so lucky," Morgenthau said.

Additionally, several attendees called for immigration reform that would assist with labor issues plaguing many Hudson Valley farmers.

"Perhaps the most challenging issue to those of us working in agriculture is having enough labor," said Phyllis Feder, owner of Clinton Vineyards in Clinton Corners. "Because of the seasonal work and immigration issues, it's impossible to get consistent work."

While the farm bill is still years off, the meeting laid the groundwork for what agricultural issues needed to be addressed in the Hudson Valley.

"There are many crucial issues facing Hudson Valley farmers today, from labor to the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Mark Adams, president of Dutchess County Farm Bureau and founder of Adams Fairacre Farms. "We appreciate Sen. Gillibrand taking the time to sit down with local farmers to discuss topics that are so important for our New York farmers and the people who depend on high quality local products."

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW