SYRACUSE, NY — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered the State of Agriculture address at the 193rd New York State Agricultural Society annual forum on January 9. This year’s address included a special presentation from New York agriculture’s young leaders across various programs, including 4-H, New York FFA, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and the Ag Society Ambassador program.

“As we hit the ground running in the new year, I am optimistic about the future of agriculture in New York. With the help of our strong network of partners, and our history of innovation and change, New York’s agricultural industry will continue forward,” said Ball. “After hearing today from young people who are venturing into agriculture with high hopes and passion for the industry, I feel more confident than ever that we are all in good hands.”

The event’s young speakers included Ag Society Ambassador Hannah Brady, 4-H student Everett Cox, secretary for the 2024-2025 New York FFA Association Officer Team Anna Maxwell and vice president for the MANRRS junior chapter at John Bowne High School Rio Marini.

Following its first-ever Youth in Agriculture Conference in 2024, the state will launch a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Advance Agriculture Education in 2025 and continue its work to promote and support New York’s county and state fairs as agricultural education hubs.

In keeping with this year’s forum theme,“Trends, Tech, and Teachable Moments,” Ball spoke about the challenges faced by New York farmers on the global, national and local fronts, and highlighted the many opportunities the agricultural industry has before it. Ball outlined the state’s work to boost the agricultural industry and strengthen the food system, combat climate change and increase food access for all New Yorkers.

Ball outlined initiatives like the state’s $34 million dairy modernization grant program; a $21 million greenhouse gas mitigation program; Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive order directing New York State agencies to increase the percentage of food they source from New York producers to 30 percent; and the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program, among others.

“With some of the best food in the world available right in our own backyard, we are working to increase food security in our communities, develop a strong, local food supply chain right here at home and ensure all New Yorkers know where their food comes from,” Ball said. “Food insecurity should not be an inevitable consequence of geography or poverty; we need to see it as a solvable problem.”

A transcript of the commissioner’s remarks can be found on the department’s website at at www.agriculture.ny.gov/2025-state-agriculture-address.