As the final New York State budget negotiations continue, we need your voice.

We have received word that agricultural funding lines are actively being discussed, and that level funding, not the increases our industry needs, is on the table for most budget lines. While we have not heard of outright cuts, new funding will be difficult to secure in the final budget. The State Senate has proposed $1.4 million for the wine and grape industry, a modest but meaningful increase from recent fiscal years, and we are urging that this funding be included in the final budget.

The New York Farm Bureau has made it easy to take action. An e-lobby letter is ready for you to send directly to Governor Hochul and your legislators, asking them to prioritize agricultural funding and key changes to the CLCPA (Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) in the 2026-2027 state budget. You can also add your own farm story to make your message even more impactful.

Please take a moment to send your letter today: https://nyfb.org/engagements

The more voices our legislators hear from the agricultural community, the better. Please also share the link with your networks, employees, and fellow growers; every message counts as the budget deadline approaches.

On a separate note, we want to keep you informed about another ongoing issue: H-2A workers are currently unable to obtain CDLs due to a lawsuit between the state and federal government. A resolution is not expected until at least late summer or fall. NYWGF is actively communicating our concerns to the federal government and advocating for an exemption so that CDLs can be issued to H-2A workers in the meantime. We will continue to keep you updated as this situation develops.

Thank you for standing up for our industry. Please don’t wait, send your letter today at https://nyfb.org/engagements.


Best,


Sam Filler
Executive Director
New York Wine & Grape Foundation