New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered the annual State of Agriculture Address on January 8, 2026, at the 194th New York State Agricultural Society Annual Forum in Rochester. The event is recognized as the oldest and largest agricultural meeting of its kind in the state.
Commissioner Ball outlined the progress made by New York’s agricultural sector in 2025, focusing on several priority areas. The address included videos demonstrating how state initiatives have supported various segments of agriculture, such as school food programs, agricultural education, dairy production, and environmental protections.
“We all have a shared mission, a common goal that brings us together: to uplift New York agriculture, to see it grow and thrive. It’s because of this, despite all that is going on in the background, I carry tremendous optimism for the future of our industry here in New York,” said Commissioner Ball. “With the support of our Governor, here in New York State, we are staying the course. We are working harder than ever toward our number one priority of supporting our farmers, our producers, our food businesses, and our families who rely on the food we cultivate.”
This year’s forum theme was “Harvesting Change.” Commissioner Ball addressed challenges faced by farmers at global, national, and local levels and described how state programs help stakeholders adapt. These include climate-focused efforts like the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program and Farmland Protection Program; modernization initiatives such as Dairy Modernization and Aquaculture Infrastructure grants; and infrastructure investment through programs like NYS Grown & Certified Infrastructure Grants.
The commissioner called this period “the decade of collaboration,” emphasizing continued partnership within the agricultural community to address uncertainties while highlighting opportunities for innovation and workforce development.
Commissioner Ball also discussed ongoing efforts with partners to strengthen food supply chains—a top priority for Governor Kathy Hochul—through programs including Nourish New York; Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program; Regional School Food Infrastructure Program; Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program; Farm-to-School initiative; 30% NYS Initiative; and New York Food for New York Families program.
Additionally, he highlighted work promoting local producers via Taste NY and NYS Grown & Certified programs while maintaining core responsibilities related to public health protection, animal and plant health oversight, consumer protection measures for businesses.
A recording of the speech will be available on the Agricultural Society’s YouTube channel. The prepared remarks transcript can be found on the Department’s website at agriculture.ny.gov/2026-state-agriculture-address.
The forum brought together industry representatives from across sectors to discuss adaptation strategies amid policy changes and market shifts affecting agriculture locally and beyond. The day included educational workshops as well as recognition awards in eight categories for contributions to promotion efforts, business excellence, communication achievements, farm longevity milestones (Century/Bicentennial Farms), distinguished service, safety practices improvement, next-generation farming leadership development (Next Generation Farmer), and FFA chapter accomplishments.
Founded in 1832, the New York State Agricultural Society aims to advance agriculture by fostering networking among advocates and leaders. Agriculture remains a major economic force statewide with over $5 billion generated annually across all counties.
The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets supports these efforts by administering grant programs—including more than $8 million distributed through its Grown & Certified initiative—to bolster farms and processors throughout New York. The department operates statewide to promote local products while safeguarding resources originating from its heritage dating back to 1841. Led by Commissioner Ball since 2014 alongside other senior officials such as Steve McGrattan (First Deputy Commissioner) among others (official website), it continues advancing environmental stewardship alongside food supply protection measures.
