Young Farmers Face Uncertainty After New York Legislative Session Ends

The New York State legislative session wrapped up in late June. On the table were big issues for farmers in the region – like sewage sludge, school bid contracts, and SNAP benefits.

The bills that passed now head to New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign, but some notable environmental bills failed to pass in the Assembly. Some lawmakers have suggested that the state assembly may come back to session in the fall in response to federal funding cuts.

So what does this all mean for New York’s young farmers?

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Brenda Gonzalez and Chris Nickell, co-owners of Finca Seremos Farm in Callicoon Center and members of the local young farmers coalitions chapters, about how state and federal policies could shape the future of farming.

Image: Chris Nickell and Brenda Gonzalez of Finca Seremos (Photo Credit: Finca Seremos)