NEW YORK STATE — Congressman Josh Riley (D, NY-19) has launched the Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board to provide advice, recommendations and input for Riley’s work on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. The board is made up of farmers, producers, elected officials and local stakeholders from the NY 19th district.

The committee held its first meeting on February 20 at SUNY Oneonta to discuss the needs, priorities and current economic conditions for growers and producers. “For too long, D.C. politicians have ignored the voices of the hard-working farmers who put food on our tables and drive our economy,” said Riley. “I’m proud to launch the Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board so our community—not just the Big Ag monopolies—are heard and have a seat at the table.”

Riley is one of two New Yorkers on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, which writes a farm bill every five years. This legislation allocates vital funding for crop insurance, conservation initiatives, rural development and food assistance programs such as SNAP.