Agriculture is the backbone of the North Country’s economy, and supporting local farms, farmers, and agribusinesses remains one of Congresswoman Stefanik’s top priorities. New York’s 21st District is home to more than 35,000 dairy farms, apple orchards, maple operations, and craft breweries. Family farms are some of the largest employers in the district and have a significant direct economic impact on other local agribusinesses. Congresswoman Stefanik works closely with North Country farmers, producers, agribusinesses, county fairs, farm credit agencies, agriculture program students and teachers, and stakeholders to deliver innovative legislative solutions in support of the region’s diverse and robust agricultural industry. Every summer, Congresswoman Stefanik proudly attends many of the North Country's beloved county fairs. Congresswoman Stefanik has previously been awarded "Friend of the New York Farm Bureau" because of her strong legislative voting record and leadership standing up for New York agriculture.

Reducing the Regulatory Burden

New York’s agricultural producers face many challenges from overburdensome regulations, unfair trade practices from foreign countries, and declining prices for goods. Congresswoman Stefanik is committed to providing regulatory reform and tax relief to make it easier for farmers to operate and thrive in New York State. She helped lead and pass the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill that provided necessary support for dairy farmers, specialty crops, young farmers, rural broadband, and important reforms to the SNAP program.

Modernizing Agricultural Workforce

Additionally, farmers face challenges in finding a stable and reliable workforce. Congresswoman Stefanik continues to be a leading voice for modernizing our agricultural visa programs including the failing H-2A program. Recently, she helped pass the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House which has been a top policy priority for North Country farmers for decades.

Expanding Trade Opportunities

Congresswoman Stefanik stands with our farmers to ensure access to critical research and support programs, as well as fighting for increased market access in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and emerging markets. Most notably, Congresswoman Stefanik helped pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, signed into law by President Trump in 2018. She is committed to ensuring that our trading partners abide by their agreements and that farmers gain from U.S. trade practices and have expanded trade export opportunities around the globe.

Congresswoman Stefanik is a member of the following Congressional Caucuses: Dairy, Organic, and Small Brewers.