Thank you @NYFarmer for the heads up about this listening session hosted by @SenatorHinchey on Ag and Food related issues. This is a very important First Step in addressing the issues of the Farming community - To listen.

Sharing some notes I had taken down during this

One Farmer speaker expressing difficulties in connecting via zoom said this, "I’m used to being around the Cows not computers". This one statement sums up the issue or the lack of rural digitization - Internet should be a basic right for everyone, including Farmers

Farmers need to be resilient and competitive
Can’t compete with big corporations like Walmarts as everyone expects food to be fast and cheap. Food grown must be local and prioritized as such. Diversification is absolutely critical.

Vegetable growers association - higher wages translate to higher expenditures. Labor is a huge part of the expenditure, especially for the vegetables. 40-50% of the expenditure. Number of work hours a week. In NY it is down to 40 hrs a week, but they need 60 hrs a week.

Especially for all the workers from Mexico. Overtime included becomes 22.50 per hour and this just makes it difficult to compete. Vegetable markets is unique and needs 60 hrs a week

Not enough processing facilities. Covid has been good for the farmers since most of them were forced to buy local. It will help boost the local economies, provide employment and rejuvenate rural economies

Alcohol and substance abuse has gone up in the ag community. More support required to help with this problem. Mental health awareness is an important aspect that needs more support and funding.

Not allowed to sell unless it is USDA processed. 27 other states do but not in NY. Forced to custom sell. Direct sales is a 400 million industry. Direct from farm to table. Farms can’t fulfill the demand.

Young Farmers association - representing 7 chapters in NY
Accessing capital, accessing land
6 years ago - affordable farmland or long term lease options. High cost of land and competing with folks from urban looking for picturesque lands for their homes is driving up the costs.

Health insurance for beginning farmers. Need a non farm job to keep the insurance. Given the risks involved in Farming, it is a huge risk in starting of a job in Farming without insurance

Vaccination for Farm workers & Farmers market staff. Producing local food & made it accessible for the local population adhering to safety measures. Most of them run small operations, temporary workers & as such dont have identifications and necessary paperwork for eligibility

3 minutes not enough to talk about the plight of the NY farmers. As a farmer, member of marketing cooperative, future of NY Ag. Farms continue to grow large and will make it difficult for small farmers to compete.

Not commodity grain, commodity milk, best to use natural resources, locally grown in family owned farms. Farmland preservation programs focussed on preserving farm lands.

Need for mental health support provides free and confidential services. Provide services around kitchen table & the farms.
Helpline in Mar 2020 alone received 100 calls in a month. Staff is fielding calls throughout the day
Financial stress tripled, personal stress doubled