Farm Bureau Hosts Great Annual Meeting

By Alexis Pencar

CENTRAL BRIDGE — This past Friday, September 27th at 6:30 PM Schoharie County Farm Bureau Members gathered for their Annual Meeting at The Olde Tater Barn at 138 Tater Barn Road in Central Bridge.

Including a cocktail hour and dinner for each member plus a guest, this is traditionally one of the largest gatherings for the group and provides time for discussion on policy, the future, and more. For this instance, there were over 50 members in attendance with an extensive Meeting Agenda. Assemblyman Chris Tague was present to show his strong support for this hardworking group.

As an important local organization, the Schoharie County Farm Bureau influences different aspects of farming for the area. Many members were vocal throughout the meeting, not afraid to voice their opinion about the direction of the Farm Bureau in regards to local, state, and national level legislation.

With President Steven Smith at the helm, the meeting was well organized and members were respectful of differing opinions.

Some of the 2024 Policy Development Discussion included the following topics:

• Solar companies should not be permitted to have non-disclosure agreements in renewable energy leases with farmers.

• We oppose the Executive Rule superseding local board authority "Home Rule" over local building projects on agricultural lands especially those in an ag district.

• We recommend that F or G endorsements on the CDL should allow for farm deliveries in a

150-mile radius.

• We support an increase in the federal SNAP benefit.

• We oppose New York State prohibiting the use of certain food additives and food color additives in products.

• We oppose any requirements enforcing wine bottles to be refillable.

• We support restoring funding for NYCAMH's ROPS program to $250,000

• We support restoring funding for NYCAMH's John May fund to $500,000

• We support funding for NYCAMH to conduct research on mental health among agricultural professionals

Some topics were tabled, some were edited, but overall the meeting was effective and professionally conducted.

If you missed this event and would like to get involved with the Schoharie County Farm Bureau, please get in touch at (518) 431-9338 or visit nyfb.org and search Schoharie County. The Board of Directors usually meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM, location TBA.