State agriculture commissioner calls for collaboration, highlights climate, dairy and food access efforts
ROCHESTER, NY — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered the State of Agriculture address Jan. 8 at the 194th Annual New York State Agricultural Society Forum, urging continued collaboration across the industry while outlining state investments in climate resilience, dairy modernization, food access and agricultural education.
Speaking to agricultural leaders from across the state at the Wegmans Conference Center, Ball described the 2020s as “the decade of collaboration” and said New York agriculture must continue adapting to uncertainty driven by global markets, supply chain disruptions, federal policy changes and extreme weather.
“We all have a shared mission, a common goal that brings us together: to uplift New York agriculture, to see it grow and thrive,” Ball said in prepared remarks. “It’s because of this, despite all that is going on in the background, I still carry tremendous optimism for the future of our industry in New York.”
Ball noted that 2026 has been designated the Year of the Woman Farmer and opened his address by recognizing women across the agricultural sector for their leadership and contributions. He also thanked the New York State Agricultural Society for hosting the forum, which is considered the oldest and largest agricultural gathering of its kind in the state.
Much of the address focused on climate and land-based initiatives, which Ball said are increasingly critical as farmers experience more frequent extreme weather events. He highlighted record funding for the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, including a $25 million round supported in part by Bond Act funding, and additional climate investments totaling $26 million through programs such as the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. Ball also noted that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the state’s Farmland Protection Program, which has preserved more than 135,000 acres statewide and currently has a record $67 million available for future projects.
Support for the dairy industry was another major theme. Ball said New York is home to nearly 300 dairy processing plants and cited recent expansions and new facilities across the state. He pointed to $34 million included in the state budget to help dairy farms expand milk storage capacity, purchase equipment and modernize operations, noting that more than $21 million has already been awarded to over 100 farms, with additional funding rounds planned.
The commissioner also emphasized efforts to strengthen the food supply chain and address food insecurity. Since 2020, he said, New York has dedicated more than $500 million to increasing access to fresh, local food through programs such as Nourish New York, the Food Access Expansion Grant Program and school food initiatives. Through the Farm-to-School program, the 30% NYS Initiative and the Regional School Food Infrastructure Program, more than $66 million has been directed to bringing New York-grown food into schools since 2021, reaching more than 1.1 million students.
Ball also highlighted continued support for agricultural education and workforce development, including funding for FFA, New York Ag in the Classroom, 4-H, MANRRS and agricultural educators. He noted that New York celebrated the 100th anniversary of FFA in 2025 and now has the fastest-growing FFA program in the nation.
Throughout the address, Ball stressed that the success of state programs depends on partnerships among farmers, conservation districts, educators, nonprofits and government agencies.
“This truly can be and must be the decade of collaboration,” he said. “All the programs that I spoke about today wouldn’t be successful without the individuals and organizations on the ground, implementing the funding and making that real impact.”
A recording of the address is expected to be posted to the New York State Agricultural Society’s YouTube channel. A transcript of the prepared remarks is available online.