The Peru Gazette

Governor’s $150 Million Investment Begins Multi-Year Modernization of Museum

Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa today announced the launch of Phase One of the transformation of the New York State Museum. Made possible by Governor Hochul’s historic $150 million investment in the Museum’s future, the initial rollout includes major new exhibits, a new dedicated Kids Zone, the reopening of the Museum café and gift shop, and the establishment of a Visioning Task Force to guide future revitalization. These efforts represent a new era of collaboration and vision, aimed at transforming the State Museum into a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly destination that reflects the full diversity and creativity of New York.

“The transformation of the New York State Museum marks the beginning of a groundbreaking new era for our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Finally, families across New York can enjoy a dedicated space for learning and engaging with our state history. I am grateful for Commissioner Rosa’s partnership in realizing this initiative, and like all New Yorkers, I look forward to visiting the new exhibits and experiencing everything the Museum’s revitalization has to offer.”

Up to $20 Million in Capital Funding Also Available to Increase Inpatient Capacity at Community-Based Hospitals Statewide

NYS News Release of Jan. 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of funding to expand comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs and to increase inpatient capacity statewide. The state Office of Mental Health has made available $23 million to develop new or expand existing comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs – also known as CPEPs – in addition to $20 million to help community-based and psychiatric hospitals increase bed capacity.

“Part of our efforts to strengthen our mental health care system is ensuring any New Yorker in crisis can access treatment services whenever and wherever they need them,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding psychiatric emergency programs and building more inpatient capacity, we can ensure that anyone who experiences a mental health crisis can get the timely, comprehensive care they can rely on to begin their journey toward recovery.”

OMH is making $20 million in capital funding and $3 million in start-up funding available for new CPEPs to serve children or for existing adult programs to add capacity for youth. Existing programs can also apply for funding to increase the number of extended observation beds, improve unit safety, or expand the footprint of treatment, waiting or group activity areas.

Comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs serve as an entry for individuals in need of crisis treatment in a safe and comfortable environment and can admit patients for up to 72 hours if they need extended observation. These programs provide a full range of psychiatric services to New Yorkers experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including individuals with mental health disorders as well as co-occurring substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and medical conditions.

In a separate funding opportunity, OMH made $20 million in capital available to expand inpatient capacity. This is comprised of up to $7 million for two facilities it licenses to each undertake capital projects to establish inpatient mental health units supporting individuals dually diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This includes funding for one unit to serve adults in New York City, and funding for one unit to serve children in areas outside of New York City, excluding the five-county Central New York region, which is now served by a new 29-bed unit for children dually diagnosed with serious emotional disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities and opened by SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in 2024.

Additionally, up to $5 million will be available for two capital projects statewide to expand or renovate inpatient units serving adults or adolescents. Pending available funding after the inpatient expansion awards, existing facilities licensed by OMH can apply for capital funding to add up to four new beds to an existing unit, renovate a unit to incorporate outdoor space, or increase the footprint of non-bedroom space.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Adding new inpatient beds and establishing more comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs will help provide timely care to those New Yorkers who are experiencing a mental health emergency. This capacity plays an integral role in bringing stability to people in crisis and connecting them with other recovery-oriented services in our continuum of care. This funding reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to expanding inpatient capacity and strengthening our mental health care system.”

New York State now funds 31 CPEPs statewide, following a $39 million investment to establish nine new programs in 2024. State-funded CPEPs received more than 110,000 visits between October 2024 and September 2025, admitting nearly 14,800 patients to extended observation beds during that time.

New York State has also expanded inpatient capacity under Governor Hochul’s leadership, having now added 1,000 psychiatric beds, including 642 beds at article 28 hospitals and 358 beds at state-operated psych centers. The Office of Mental Health is also developing 75 beds at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens to double the size of the successful Transition to Home program, which is helping to successfully treat and stabilize chronically homeless individuals living with mental illness in New York City. 

Governor Hochul also secured $160 million in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget to construct 100 new forensic inpatient psychiatric beds to help restore justice-involved individuals to competency to stand trial in New York City. An additional $28.3 million was allocated to increase staff-to-patient ratios at the agency’s forensic hospitals, which will be completed over the next two years. 

On January 28, 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) filed a notice with the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) to oppose Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC’s petition to FERC to reissue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and override DEC’s oversight authority under the Clean Water Act for the proposed pipeline project. Despite its proposed 99 miles of pipeline that would be crossing New York, the company is attempting to bypass critical environmental reviews and undercut New York State’s regulatory authority. DEC did not waive its Clean Water Act Section 401 authority and will explore all available options to vigorously defend our state rights. New York will continue to take the reins to ensure the full protection of public health and our state’s natural resources.

LAKE PLACID, NY (January 28, 2026) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has compiled and released the results of its fourth annual tourism impact survey, conducted in late 2025.

The survey gathered feedback from residents and business owners in Essex and Hamilton counties, as well as the villages of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, regarding their perceptions of tourism’s impact on the local economy and community.

The survey was designed to capture business owners’ and residents’ perceptions and opinions on various topics related to tourism in the region. It aims to uncover sentiments regarding tourism-related activities and their impacts which contribute to the local economy and social environment, as well as identify topics that may be sources of concern. Surveys completed by business owners represent 26.6% of total surveys, compared with 73.4% completed by non-business owners. The  vast majority of respondents have lived in the region for more than 11 years and 86% are employed full-time or retired.

According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, destination management and marketing organizations (DMMOs) like ROOST work to balance economics of the tourism industry and community needs. “To be effective as a DMMO, it’s essential that local sentiment is clearly understood,” Lawrence said. “This survey gives residents and business owners a voice, helping us identify opportunities, address challenges, and shape strategies that support the local economy and quality of life for community members.”

Key findings include:

• The vast majority of respondents (83%) believe that tourism positively impacts their community.
• More than 95% of respondents believe that tourism has a positive impact on businesses in their local community.
• The vast majority of respondents indicated that tourism has a positive impact on the region’s economy, the availability of local attractions, retail opportunities, and restaurant options.
• May and June saw the highest proportion of business owners indicating they could benefit from increased business (64% and 62%, respectively), suggesting opportunity for growth in the late spring/early summer period.
• The share of respondents who reported working more than one job (39%) increased by 10 percentage points year over year.
• Each year since 2023, survey respondents believe that the region would benefit most from additional marketing of arts, biking/cycling, and food/restaurants.
• Traffic and affordable housing remain the top cited negative impacts of tourism. Environmental degradation was cited more often than in past years as a negative consequence.
• Since 2022, a growing share of residents agree that increasing the number of permanent residents in their community is important to them.

Results underscore the importance of recent community initiatives to balance community benefits with the positive impacts of the local tourism economy. These initiatives include the Community Tourism Enhancement Fund, which provides funding to each of the 18 towns in Essex County, to enhance the community for residents and visitors. Additionally, ROOST has collaborated with local officials to establish an event committee to review large-scale events and implement recommendations to mitigate impacts. ROOST also works with the region’s elected representatives to assist with initiatives such as workforce housing, grant applications for community improvement, and other projects designed to benefit Essex County communities.

“The resident sentiment survey is an important tool for ROOST – it allows us to monitor and understand the impacts of tourism on local residents year over year,” stated ROOST President and CEO Dan Kelleher. “We appreciate that the vast majority of respondents affirm the overall benefits of tourism in our region, and we also recognize the important and ongoing work to assist our communities with housing, large-event mitigation, and other destination management initiatives.”

Business owners and residents were invited to complete the survey via email, social media, news reports, and local notices. A total of 737 surveys from residents and business owners were completed in target regions. The results achieved a 5% margin of error at a 99% confidence level.

Respondents were incentivized to take the survey with a chance to win a Visa Gift Card valued at $100.

A link to survey results can be found at ROOSTAdk.com/research.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.

Town of Roseboom
Otsego County
Illegal Logging: On December 22, while on patrol at Honey Hill State Forest, Forest Ranger Laymon discovered a logging operation that skidded logs through a corner of state land. Along with a DEC Forester, Ranger Laymon determined the loggers damaged several trees and removed a red oak tree. On January 23, Rangers France and Laymon located the loggers and issued tickets for removing and damaging trees and for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on State land.

Illegal logging

Illegal logging

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Snowpack Testing: On January 22, Forest Rangers Adams and Rooney conducted a ski patrol in the High Peaks Wilderness to test snow stability before the next storm hit. The Rangers performed an Extended Column Test and found no indication of instability. However, new snow, wind, and severe cold can change conditions quickly. Winter enthusiasts should always travel at their own risk and make their own assessments when traveling in avalanche terrain.

Snow stability test

Ranger Rooney snow stability test

Town of Williamstown
Oswego County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 22 at 2:37 p.m., Forest Ranger Vaile responded to a call for a snowmobile accident on an unmaintained portion of Garcia Road. The snowmobile driver complained of a lower right leg injury. Ranger Vaile joined New York State Police, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department. Crews loaded the 32-year-old from King Ferry onto a utility vehicle for transport to a Northern Oswego County Ambulance. Resources were clear at 4:40 p.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 22 at 5:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a lost hiker on Giant Mountain. The hiker had lost the Ridge Trail due to snow squalls that created deep drifts. At 6:45 p.m., Forest Ranger Rooney located the 47-year-old from Albany and their dog. Ranger Rooney provided dry clothing and a headlamp and walked with the subject back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 8:20 p.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Fundraisers underway to help local teen hospitalized after Friday night fatality in Colchester

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Peru  – Pancakes Plus Breakfast, Sunday, February 8, 2026 served by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 children 5 to 11, Children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10. 

The menu includes Pancakes,Waffles, Strawberry Sauce, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fries, Real Maple Syrup, and much more. 

The next Knight’s breakfast is March 8. 

(PLATTSBURGH, NY The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host “Deviations, ” a solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based artist and teacher, James Antonson. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, Feb. 13, with a free gallery reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and will remain on display until Saturday, March 28.

James Antonson will have a collection of work that he appropriately calls “painting collages” as the main focus of his solo exhibition. This is a newer endeavor that James has begun in his art career and it is a process that he has evolved since he began.

“I come to the canvas with no preconceptions, seeking an experiment, undertaken to find something new or unforeseen. At times I find this process disastrous, like the beginner unable to find clarity, seeking a way out, only to destroy the image and begin again.

This series started with a large painting of a glacier that I was failing to complete with satisfaction. So, I cut it from the stretcher bars and made a collage. As I continued to work through the piece, I became more intrigued by how the edges of each cut piece harmonized or created tension. The new grid-like collage painting revealed itself in a new and different way.

These works are accumulations of new observations-breaking things apart, then letting them breathe a new life.-

Elsa Koop-Angelicola, Gallery Manager & Associate Curator: “It’s always interesting to see the final selection of work that an artist chooses for their solo show. While I do get to see some pieces before they even step foot into the gallery, seeing everything all come together is always rewarding and it really shows the dedication the artist puts into their work.

Strand Center for the Arts Gallery Hours:

●Open 1 p.m.—9 p.m. Wednesday

●Open 1 p.m.—5 p.m. Thursday and Friday

Open 10 a.m. —3 p.m. Saturday

●Closed Sunday—Tuesday

Peru Gazette File Photo

January 28, 2026 –  Clinton County, NY — The Clinton County Legislature is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Sharrowas the new Airport Director at Plattsburgh International Airport, effective immediately.

Sharrow brings more than 20 years of diverse aviation experience spanning airport management, airline operations, aviation planning, and engineering. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and has held senior leadership roles including Airport Manager at Ogdensburg International Airport and, most recently, Director of Aviation Planning with DuBois & King. His background includes oversight of airport operations, regulatory compliance, capital improvement planning, terminal and airfield development, security and emergency preparedness, and economic development initiatives. Sharrow is also a private pilot and FAA-certified UAS remote pilot.

“Patrick Sharrow’s depth of experience and demonstrated leadership in airport operations and aviation planning make him an outstanding choice to lead Plattsburgh International Airport,” said Mark Henry, (Chazy, R-Area 3)Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature. “As the airport continues to play a critical role in our region’s economic development and connectivity, Patrick’s expertise will help position the facility for continued growth and long-term success.”

County Administrator Christine Peters, Esq., emphasized the importance of strong operational leadership at the airport. “Patrick brings a rare combination of technical knowledge, operational insight, and strategic planning experience,” Peters said. “His understanding of both the regulatory and economic development aspects of airport management will be a tremendous asset to Clinton County as we advance key infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives.”

Airport Committee Chairperson Dave Bézio (Plattsburgh, D-Area 4) highlighted Sharrow’s familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing regional airports. “Patrick understands the unique role regional airports play in supporting local economies, businesses, and residents,” Bézio said. “We are confident his leadership will strengthen operations at Plattsburgh International Airport while advancing its role as a regional transportation and economic hub.”

In accepting the role, Sharrow expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve Clinton County. “I am honored to join Clinton County and lead Plattsburgh International Airport,” Sharrow said. “The airport has tremendous potential, and I look forward to working with County leadership, staff, and community partners to enhance operations, support economic development, and ensure the airport continues to serve the region safely and efficiently.”

The County also extended its sincere appreciation to Chris Kreig for his years of dedicated service to Clinton County and Plattsburgh International Airport. Kreig will retire at the end of January, and County officials expressed gratitude for his leadership and commitment during his tenure.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Snapshot NY uses trail cameras to research a variety of wildlife including black bears, fishers, bobcats and more 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

APA board approves seven-lot housing complex off Route 73

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

“In many upstate cities like Syracuse, Binghamton, and Rochester, the number of children living in poverty is upwards of 40%.”

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Program Launched With $48.3 Million Repayment Initiative To Provide up to $300,000 in Loan Forgiveness

Application Deadline Extended to End of March for Employers and Mid-April for Individual Applicants; Application Link Is Available Here

NYS News Release of Jan. 27, 2026 – Governor Hochul today announced the launch of the Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) program. Governor Hochul has been laser-focused on protecting health care access and reinforcing resources that will strengthen our health care workforce. Governor Hochul is launching a $48.3 million student loan repayment initiative designed to expand access to care for NYS Medicaid members and uninsured individuals across New York State. The HEALR program will provide significant financial incentives to health care professionals who commit to serving high-need populations, addressing critical workforce shortages while reducing barriers to essential health services in underserved communities. 

“Health care is a fundamental human right, and every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality affordable care,” Governor Hochul said.“This program will expand health care access statewide while strengthening our workforce, ensuring our health care professionals are empowered to provide care to anyone in need, regardless of their income status.”

While New York State has made significant strides in expanding health care coverage, statewide workforce shortages in the health sector mean that even those with coverage may struggle to get the care they need. To address this, New York is relying on two initiatives through its federal 1115 waiver aimed at bolstering the health care workforce in underserved areas. In late 2024, the State launched the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, with $646 million in federal funding for tuition, textbooks, and education and career supports for health, behavioral health and social care workers who make a three-year commitment to serving Medicaid members.

To date, the CPT program has already recruited nearly 12,000 participants. In late summer, the HEALR program will award $48.3 million in loan repayment for psychiatrists, primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and pediatric clinical nurse specialists who make a four-year commitment to serving Medicaid members. Taken together, these two initiatives represent a nearly $700 million investment in strengthening New York’s health workforce and ensuring that New Yorkers have timely access to the care they need. Read more »

Peru Gazette Library Photo.

Plattsburgh Public Library continues its monthly speaker series, Lifelong Learning for All, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the library auditorium on the second floor. The series brings local experts to the library to share their knowledge with the community. All are welcome. Each session includes a half-hour presentation followed by Q&A/discussion.

On Wednesday, February 4. 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Nolan Cool of Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) will present “Isaac Johnson: Stone Mason & Freedom Seeker.”

Master stone mason Isaac Johnson’s life story offers us a window into the African American experience in 19th-century Northern New York. Born enslaved in Kentucky and sold at age seven, Johnson eventually secured his freedom, served in a Black regiment of the Union Army during the Civil War, and afterward, made his way north to the St. Lawrence Valley. Working between rural Ontario, Ogdensburg, and Waddington, Johnson became a reputable stone mason and master builder. This presentation explores Johnson’s personal history, family life, and the architecture that his career produced.

About the Speaker:
Nolan Cool is the Educational Programs Director at Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), the nonprofit historic preservation organization for the Adirondack region. Nolan coordinates AARCH’s extensive public education program, which includes a series of day-long outings across the Adirondack region, preservation-inspired workshops, and a series of talks and presentations.

For questions or to inquire about presenting in the series, contact Library Director Ben Carman at 518-536-7442 or carmanb@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov.

16 Landmarks To Be Illuminated Yellow on Evening of January 27

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 16 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated yellow this evening, Tuesday, January 27, in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and in honor of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust.

“On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the lives of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime just over 80 years ago,”Governor Hochul said. “Today, I call on New Yorkers to join me in honoring those taken from us by standing up to hate, working to heal division and polarization, and striving to root out antisemitism in New York and beyond.”

These 16 landmarks will be illuminated in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 29, 2026, 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 12, 2026 and 2026 Organizational Meeting of January 12, 2026

5. Community Input. 

6. DISCUSSION:   Engineering Update on Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Award to Lowest Bidder on the Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Replacement Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval 2026 Peru Free Library Contract.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Adirondack Park Local Gov’t Review Board Agreement.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval to Sell the Jenkins St. Property.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Close All Former Judge Kiby’s Bank Accounts.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Code Enforcement Officer.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Code Enforcement Office Secretary.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Murnane Bldg. Contractors Change Order Directive GC-CD.06.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Councilmen

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads 

17. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – December 2025

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – January 2026

20. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

21. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

22. MOTION:  Adjourn.

Albany, NYS News Release of Jan. 27, 2026 – New York farmers are under increasing economic and financial pressure because of federal policy changes, including higher tariffs, cuts to certain agricultural programs, and stricter immigration enforcement policies, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. These challenges could diminish farm production, squeeze profits, and lead to higher prices for consumers.

“There is real concern in rural New York about federal cuts, tariffs and labor shortages,” said DiNapoli. “New York’s farms are a vital part of the state’s economy and our local food supply, and we need policies that strengthen, not undermine their production and that lower, not drive up, prices in the grocery store.”

Agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy. New York’s 30,650 farms contributed nearly $3 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022 and employed or supported 163,148 jobs in 2019. However, DiNapoli’s report identified impacts to the financial viability of family farms in the state from recent federal actions.

USDA Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assists farmers through grants, subsidies, loans and technical support. In 2022, 3,275 farms in New York received $66.3 million in direct federal payments, excluding crop insurance payments. In addition, the state received $382 million in USDA payments from three major programs, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development. These programs fund a wide variety of projects on and off the farm, including housing, community water systems, renewable energy projects, guaranteed farm loans, conservation reserve programs and technical assistance for environmental projects. Nearly every county in New York receives assistance from at least one of the programs.

DiNapoli’s report breaks down changes to federal funding for agriculture, including reductions over 10 years of $1.8 billion for conservation and $150 million to forestry programs, and a cut of $84 million in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 appropriations for the Farm Service Agency. While some commodities and crop insurance programs will receive increased funding, these changes are likely to have limited impact in New York. New York’s dairy sector may be the only local commodity to see a significant benefit since most programs are geared toward crops like sugar, wheat and cotton not widely grown in New York. Inflation, coupled with flat funding for other programs, may undermine USDA’s support for farmers and rural communities in New York.

In addition, the decrease in funding for nutritional assistance programs will mean less money spent at grocery stores, farmers markets and for purchases by food banks, resulting in a loss of markets for farms.

Tariffs

Tariffs are impacting farmers, affecting their ability to sell their products around the world, and increasing the cost of supplies and equipment for farms that already operate on thin margins. New York dairy exports declined by as much as 12% in the first half of 2025 vs. 2024, and U.S. soybean sales to China dropped from 985 million bushels in 2024 to 218 million in the first eight months of 2025.

DiNapoli’s report found that prices have climbed for imported fertilizers, steel and farm equipment. In July, the National Corn Growers Association found that fertilizer prices had increased from the first of the year between 4.7% and 37.6%, depending on the type of fertilizer. Increased uncertainty around markets and production costs makes it tougher for farmers to plan for future growing seasons.

Immigration

New York farms employed more than 56,000 people in 2022, excluding contract farm laborers, according to the USDA. Many of the workers are immigrants who plant and pick crops and work with farm animals. In 2023, nearly 10,000 were employed through the seasonal H2A federal guest worker visa program, but New York’s Agriculture Commissioner estimates as many as half of the farm labor workforce in the state was undocumented in 2018.

Recent immigration enforcement has been a concern for many farmers, especially those in the dairy industry. Even the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes this as a serious issue for the nation’s food supply, saying there could be significant disruptions to production costs and it threatens the stability of domestic food production and prices for U.S consumers.

The report noted that the loss of farm employees at crucial points in the growing season, or in the case of dairy farms, at any point in the year, could devastate individual farms.

Report

Federal Impact: New York State Farming and Agriculture

Related Reports

Federal Actions Threaten to Exacerbate Rising Food Insecurity

A Profile of Agriculture in New York State 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Homestead Development Corp. looks to create affordable homes for middle-class buyers

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story