STONE RIDGE, NY — Demonstrating bipartisan support for Hudson Valley farmers, U.S. Reps. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) and Pat Ryan (D-NY-18) announced their joint commitment on Thursday, September 7 to ensure the pending federal Farm Bill will meet the needs of hard-working local farms that supply fresh food to residents of the region and New York City and drive a thriving agricultural economy across the United States.

The Congressmen spoke at Growing America (USA Farm Bill Gathering) held at Stone Ridge Orchard in Stone Ridge, where they highlighted specific recommendations, they are proposing to advance in the bill. Additional participants in the event included farmers and other agricultural stakeholders from across the region. Host farmer Elizabeth Ryan conducted a tour highlighting climate-friendly agricultural practices utilized at the orchard. The event was held in collaboration with Scenic Hudson, the Northeast Carbon Alliance, and the NY League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

Initiatives Congressmen Molinaro and Ryan are championing, along with other measures to become part of or strengthen the 2023 Farm Bill:

1. Increased Technical Service Provider Access Act (H.R. 3036/S.1400) — Technical Service Providers (TSPs) help farmers access USDA conservation programs through hands-on, individualized assistance.

2. Naturally Offsetting Emissions by Managing and Implementing Tillage Strategies Act (NO EMITS, H.R. 4163) — The NO EMITS Act assists farmers with transitioning cropping systems to methods that achieve environmental goals while also addressing the economic risk posed by the transition.

3. Flooding Prevention Assessment, and Restoration Act (H.R. 5250) — This legislation creates flexibility within the USDA that will help communities restore flooded areas to pre-disaster levels, including the restoration of natural land, and enable them to manage the impacts of climate change.

4. Peer Learning Conservation Education Act (H.R. __ / S. __) — Bill in progress — This bill prioritizes on-farm activities that manage soil health and other natural resources and broadens the type of activities that are eligible for federal support.