Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of the North Country and our farmers create jobs all across the district. Our district is home to a variety of agricultural commodities including significant dairy, apple, and maple operations. According to the last census of agriculture, New York’s 35,000 farmers bring in over $5 billion in sales.
New York’s producers face many challenges from over burdensome regulations, unfair trade practices from foreign countries, and declining prices for goods. Congresswoman Stefanik is committed to providing regulatory and tax relief to make it easier for farmers to operate in New York.
The North Country also depends on access to a reliable workforce. For those unable to find local workers it is essential that our agricultural visa programs work as they were intended, Congresswoman Stefanik is a leading voice for modernizing our agricultural visa programs including the failing H-2A program.
Now more than ever, it is critical to have a North Country voice. Congresswoman Stefanik will stand 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.
As a member of the Dairy, Organic, and Small Brewer’s Caucuses Congresswoman Stefanik is committed to innovative solutions that support the North Country’s diverse agricultural background.
For more information concerning work and views related to Agriculture, please contact our office.
Legislation Introduced by Congresswoman Stefanik:
H.R. 281 – Family Farm Relief Act of 2017
H.R. 4291 - Precision Farming Act
Legislation Cosponsored by Congresswoman Stefanik:
H.R.1411 - To amend the Small Business Act to allow certain ranchers and farmers categorized as partnerships to use an alternative calculation for a maximum loan amount under the paycheck protection program
H.R.1035 - To amend the Small Business Act to include certain beverage manufacturing entities for paycheck protection program second draw loans
H.R.818 - GIVE MILK Act
H.R. 5038 - Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019
H.R. 7393 - Growing Climate Solutions Act
H.R. 4820 - Seeding Rural Resilience Act
H.R. 4482 - Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act
Caucus Memberships
Dairy Farmer Caucus
Horse Caucus
Organic Caucus
Small Brewers Caucus
Working Forest Caucus
Resources for New Farmers in Our District:
United States Department of Agriculture
More on Agriculture
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led four bipartisan members of New York’s Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) requesting that they allow farmers to mechanically harvest their cover crops and meet the NRCS standards.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Stefanik led thirteen House and four Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting they provide answers to onion growers about their decision to stop certain inspection requirements and reassure onion growers that USDA will seek input from farmers prior to making such drastic decisions moving forward.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the New York Farm Bureau presented Congresswoman Stefanik with the American Farm Bureau Circle of Friends Award. This award is given to select lawmakers who have strong voting records in support of New York agriculture. Congresswoman Stefanik also received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” award in October of 2020.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voted in favor of the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, legislation that she cosponsored and supported in the 116th Congress. The bill, led by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04), includes solutions to address the labor crisis facing American agriculture.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik helped introduce the Agriculture Intelligence Measures (AIM) Act. This legislation would ensure the Secretary of Agriculture is fully informed of all imminent domestic and foreign threats against American agriculture.
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik met virtually with members of the New York Farm Bureau to discuss their federal legislative priorities and reaffirm her commitment to supporting North Country agriculture.
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting that families, farmers, and producers in New York’s 21st Congressional District are included in the fifth round of food purchases through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.