State Agriculture Commissioner Tours Frost-Damaged Vineyards

By New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Unseasonable weather significantly impacted grape growers and other fruit and vegetable crops across the state

STEUBEN CO., N.Y. — State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Friday joined state and local leaders, representatives from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, New York Farm Bureau, the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA), Empire State Development, and Cornell Cooperative Extension to tour several vineyards in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions impacted by a recent freeze. The group visited with grape growers in Steuben, Schuyler, and Seneca Counties to assess the damage in the region and better understand the outlook and plan for recovery.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our grape growers haven’t seen frost conditions this late in the season in decades, particularly in the counties we visited.  The situation has been compounded by the fact that our growers also faced weather-related challenges last year. It is imperative that we do everything we can to help all grape growers across the State who saw damage to their crops, as well as our other fruit and vegetable growers across the State, to secure the assistance they need to overcome this challenging time. We will continue to work closely with our partners to advocate for assistance to help alleviate the current burden and any long-term economic effects of this damaging severe weather event.”

According to the Department’s Division of Emergency Management and Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), during the reporting period of May 15 to 25, 2023, New York State experienced extremely low temperatures, which resulted in frost damage to a number of crops throughout many regions of New York State.  In addition to the reports of damage to vineyards in the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley, there are reports of crop damage to other commodities in several other regions, including the North Country, Central New York, Capital Region, and Hudson Valley areas.

While Cornell Cooperative Extension continues to survey vineyards and other farms in the area to get a complete picture of the extent of the damage, the USDA FSA offices are standing by to assist growers. FSA staff across the area are already working with partners and producers to document the damage and prepare a disaster declaration request.

The FSA recommends that farmers affected by the freeze should continue to document their conditions (pictures and video) and any losses. Farmers can file a CCC- 576 (Notice of Loss) with their local USDA FSA. Contact information for the offices can be found here.

New York is the third largest grape producer and the third largest wine producer in the country.  According to the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, these growers generate a $6.65 billion economic impact for New York State.  There are 471 wineries in New York, growing a variety of grapes on 35,000 acres.

Sam Filler, Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, “The growers and producers behind New York’s vineyards are critical contributors to our agricultural and tourism economy. Facing frost conditions this late in the season can be detrimental to their crops, as well as other growers across the state, which is why we must do all that we can to lessen the damage. We’re grateful for the assistance of the State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Farm Service Agency for their support in this time and will continue to do all that we can to combat the effects of these extreme weather events for our growers.”

Jim Barber, State Executive Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, said, “New York grape growers suffered unprecedented damage after the May 18 freeze event due to an unusually warm spring that forced the onset of bud development several weeks ahead of normal. Joining Commissioner Ball in discussions with the growers, we talked about existing programs, such as low interest emergency loans from the USDA, and the importance of state and federal agencies working together to support our farmers through times of economic stress.”

Hans Walter-Peterson, Senior Viticulture Extension Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension, said, “While isolated frost or freeze events are not uncommon here, this freeze event in the Finger Lakes impacted the majority of vineyards in the region. Damage estimates are anywhere from 5 – 100%, so the impacts vary significantly depending on location. At this point, we have to wait and see what kind of crop might emerge from secondary shoots that emerge after this damage in order to assess how much of an impact this freeze will have on growers’ yields.”

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano said, “We have been in close contact with Commissioner Ball and the Governor’s office since last week’s frost and we welcome Commissioner Ball’s visit to see the damage and to hear firsthand from regional growers and producers about what they’re facing on the short- and long-term impact.  The vine damage is extensive and it is going to have a dire effect on vineyards and wineries that are fundamental to our local economies. These are major economic engines. It is imperative that we immediately initiate a collaborative effort, at every level of government, to help deliver the assistance, resources, and support needed to help one of New York State’s most vital and productive industries recover.”

Senator Tom O’Mara said, “This is an unprecedented frost for grape growers throughout our region. The widespread vine damage will result in devastating losses for many growers and have a detrimental impact across this state’s vital Finger Lakes wine industry. It will be critical for all of us, at every level of government, to deliver the resources necessary to assist growers and the industry as a whole recover throughout the year ahead. We appreciate Commissioner Ball for surveying the damage firsthand and we stand ready to work with him to initiate a swift response from the state and federal governments.”

Gov. Hochul announces $3.8M+ awarded to improve seniors' access to local foods

By NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the Department of Agriculture and Markets has been awarded over $3.8 million from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to help New York seniors better access locally grown food. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and is part of $50 million the FNS is awarding in grants to 47 states and tribes to modernize and expand the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. It is one of many programs Governor Hochul is facilitating to source more locally grown and produced foods.

“One of our biggest strengths as a state is the wide scope of what we have to offer, and our farms’ bounty is at the top of that list,” Governor Hochul said. “With a fifth of our land used for farming for our 33,000 family farms, we’re bringing more of New York’s fresh produce and products not only to our seniors, but also to schools and State agencies — supporting our farms and promoting healthier lifestyles.”

In addition to the expansion of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Governor Hochul will be issuing an Executive Order later this year to direct New York State agencies to source 30 percent of their food from New York producers while also inviting local governments and school districts to strive to meet this goal. The Governor’s proposed FY24 Executive Budget allocates $50 million to a grant program that will support scratch cooking facilities for schools using New York Farm products. The Budget also sets aside $10 million in funding for grants providing for expanded food access to farm markets, food co-ops, and other retail food stores in underserved communities, as well as over $2.2 million to expand urban agriculture infrastructure and community gardens across the state.

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Access to nutritious food is vital for preventing disease, helping to manage a range of chronic conditions, and increasing energy to stay active. As the administrator of the largest senior nutrition program in the country, NYSOFA uses every tool available to increase access to healthy foods from New York, improving overall nutrition and health for older adults. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program allows thousands of older New Yorkers to access fresh products in their communities. NYSOFA thanks Governor Hochul and Commissioner Ball for their longstanding support and their leadership in expanding this popular and successful program.”

The grant funding allocates $3,378,945 to help New York serve more fresh foods to eligible seniors. It also allocates $500,000 to implement other program improvements, such as online applications and training for farmers interested in participating, web-based farmers’ market and farm stand directories, and outreach to more eligible seniors through partnerships with community organizations.

USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible seniors with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey in 48 states, Puerto Rico and eight tribal areas. These foods help support nutrition security, ensuring older Americans have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to good health. Learn more about this program in New York State at https://agriculture.ny.gov/consumer-benefits-farmers-markets.

Farmers’ markets fill an essential gap in New York’s local food supply chains by improving access to and encouraging consumption of locally grown foods and supporting direct farmer-to-consumer transactions. Farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets are crucial components to a healthy food system. Today, New York has more than 400 farmers’ markets, 250 farm stands, and 10 mobile markets. They provide outlets for agricultural producers to meet the rising consumer demand for a variety of fresh, affordable, and convenient products grown directly from the farm. New York State—through the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Health, Office for the Aging, and Office of Temporary Disability Assistance—administers several programs that help low-income families, seniors, and Veterans access fresh, healthy food at participating markets. To learn more about the Department’s farmers’ market programs or to find a market near you, visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.

Travel to Costa Rica with other Berry Growers in December 2022!

The Costa Rica Agritourism and Cultural Study Tour, hosted by Laura McDermott and organized by Explorations by Thor, an international travel company that specializes in agricultural tours, is scheduled for December 3-11, 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel, learn and relax with other farmers. It will be a blast!

This one-of-a-kind guided excursion is an educational and entertaining way to visit another country, update your understanding of what’s happening in our industry, and network with fellow berry production and agritourism professionals. Friends and family with an interest in agriculture are also welcome. The tour includes a full itinerary, plus hotels, most meals, and in-country transportation. Guests will visit a wide variety of Costa Rican agriculture, and still have time for cultural highlights.

The trip is designed specifically for members of the berry and agritourism industry. Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual guides, tours/technical visits, and gratuities for driver and guide are all included. Estimated pricing of $2,450 is based on double occupancy, per person.

On December 3, we’ll stay at the San Jose Hilton. Tours begin on day two. Here’s a look at the full itinerary:

On day two, we’ll visit a coffee plantation and a chocolate factory near San Jose, and enjoy some downtime in the city.

On day three, we’ll head out early to Irazu Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If the weather is clear, we’ll be able to see the Caribbean Sea from the crater’s rim. 

While in the highlands we’ll visit a berry farm that is growing blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and Aztec gooseberries or goldenberries. After lunch, we’ll visit a berry producers’ marketing co-op, and then continue to visit the Center for Tropical Agronomy Research & Education (CATIE). We’ll tour the botanical garden and enjoy a presentation about agritourism enhancement at CATIE. We’ll end at the Hotel Suerre in Guapiles, in the heart of the banana-growing region of Costa Rica.

On day four, we’ll visit Costa Rica’s “green dam,” the largest hydroelectric dam in Central America and the second-largest infrastructure project, after the Panama Canal, in Central America. Costa Rica obtains nearly 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric. Meet with representatives and discuss how the dam is connected to the agriculture community.

We’ll visit a local farmer who has developed a side business of taking foreigners on farm tours. We will also stop at a papaya farm and meet with a former Dole agritourism director. 

On day five, we’ll enjoy a pineapple tour in the morning. After lunch, we’ll travel to and take a guided walk through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The group will travel to a strawberry farm dedicated to agritourism in Fraijanes, and dine at a local’s home that evening. We will stay at the Hotel Martino in Alajuela that night.

On day six, we’ll depart for Guanacaste and the best beaches in Costa Rica! Enroute, we’ll visit a large-scale farm of palm oil, sugarcane, dragon fruit, rice and quarter horses. We’ll follow it with a barbecue lunch, and touring a commercial rice mill on the way to the Bosque del Mar hotel on the Pacific Ocean.

On day 7, the group will visit Hacienda El Viejo and take a guided wildlife tour boat ride in the wetlands. The evening will be free, for you to explore on your own.

On day 8, we’ll have free time to relax by the beach or take in any optional activities in the area, which include catamaran snorkel and sail, sportfishing, and ziplining. Or visit Flamingo beach via your guide and driver to do some shopping and enjoy lunch on the town. A farewell dinner in Hermosa Beach will round out the entire tour.

Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual Guide(s), tours/technical visits, gratuities for driver and guide are all included.  Estimated pricing is based on double occupancy, per person - $2,450.

Reservation/payment deadlines: $250 nonrefundable deposit due by August 1, 2022; the remainder is due by October 15. The single supplement is $575.

Minimum capacity of 20 people must be met. Technical visits are subject to change, but replacements of equal value will be arranged. Full covid vaccination and a valid passport is required of participants.

Space is limited! Register soon to reserve your spot.  For more information, please contact Laura McDermott, lgm4@cornell.edu.  For specific tour information and help with air travel, contact Explorations by Thor, info@explorationsbythor.com, 859.459.0500.

A Final Farewell

By Elizabeth Malchoff, President of the New York State Berry Growers Association

Paul Baker, the New York State Berry Growers Association executive secretary for more than a decade, passed away May 26, 2021, as a result of injuries sustained during an automobile accident. Paul was a friend and fierce champion of agriculture in New York State and the country. He was exceptional at juggling priorities as well as job requirements. Paul also served as executive director of the New York State Horticultural Society and Ag Affiliates.

Paul was instrumental in securing meetings with critical state legislators that assisted in securing funding and policy changes imperative to the agricultural community. He was very well spoken and could articulate the message in such a way that he was able to bring relevance on any topic to any audience. This gift made him an invaluable asset as a representative of the agricultural community. Paul enjoyed playing the devil’s advocate and encouraged us to grow our understanding of the opposition’s views, to be better prepared to face such challenges.    

During the time of inception of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, Paul recommended and facilitated meetings with legislators that were in favor of reducing the overtime threshold, and insisted that we, as industry representatives, be allowed to have a seat at the table when discussing the changes to the labor laws affecting farmers. I believe, based on Paul’s recommendation and the combined persistence of our conversations with legislators across the board, that the wage labor review board was adopted. This board is critical because it allows growers to have a representative present at future discussions. Without Paul’s ideas and recommendation, this review board might not have been part of the policy change.  

Paul was an intrical part of the Becker Forum. He hosted, led discussions, and secured speakers for grower awareness. A few years ago, Paul was asked to help develop this event as a way for growers to stay updated and informed of legislative policy changes, and discuss the more difficult bureaucratic regulations. Paul knew growers struggled in this area, and it was his attempt to support the grower in some of the more challenging aspects of commercial farming. Through his contacts, he brought in important speakers that could answer the growers’ questions and hear their concerns directly, ranging from legislators to Ag& Market reps. He even planned grower-based panels to facilitate raw and genuine grower discussions and education. Many growers that I know made it a priority to attend this event, because it offered so much value and education that the growers otherwise would struggle to find. Thanks to Paul’s knowledge of agriculture and his constant monitoring of our legislative environment, both state and federal, he was able to create the most effective and relevant grower-based meeting available.

Paul had his finger on the pulse with state and federal policy. He worked tirelessly at scouring the political landscape, keeping us updated on various state and federal policy discussions and potential changes. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people and understand the words not spoken, giving him invaluable insight into where various parties stood on the issues. Without his guidance, these organizations would not have been as effective in securing funds for research or influencing policy changes as they have been. A great portion of the success of the NYSBGA, the NYS Horticultural Society, and Agricultural Affiliates is due to Paul and his relentless efforts as a steward of the agricultural industry of New York State as a whole.

As a person, Paul was one of these people that was just easy to talk to. He was always calm and collected, but never afraid to tell it like it is. He was always supportive and encouraging, even if the encouragement was not what you wanted to hear. He was never afraid of a difficult conversation and flourished in a debate. It was like he knew what the opposition was thinking and countered before they could attack. He was always professional and respectful, so difficult conversations were less uncomfortable and more productive. He would also check us, when we started getting into too much “grower talk,” and would constantly remind us that we needed to discuss topics on the level of our audience to be more effective. He would often give subtle tips and feedback after a legislative meeting, on what we could improve or say to be more effective in the next meeting. He genuinely cared, and full-heartedly fought for, the agriculture community. He was an invaluable asset whose knowledge and presence are irreplaceable. The agricultural community has lost a huge champion whose void will be felt for years to come.

Berry Disease Snapshot: Blueberry Powdery Mildew

By David Strickland and Kerik Cox
Cornell AgriTech

Disease Snapshot: Blueberry Powdery Mildew

Causal pathogen: Microsphaera vaccinii

When to watch for it: July through season’s end

First line of defense: Use of resistant cultivars

Summary:

The signs of M. vaccinii infection do not typically appear until midsummer, when white fungal growth appears on the upper leaf surface. Leaf reddening may occur as chlorotic spots with reddish borders, and the leaf surface may become puckered. This reddening may be mistaken for symptoms of red ringspot virus (RRSV) infection but can be distinguished by the presence of water-soaked areas on the leaf’s lower surface opposite the chlorotic areas. If left uncontrolled, blueberry powdery mildew may lead to premature defoliation and a long-term reduction in bush productivity.

The planting of resistant cultivars is the best option for management of powdery mildew. Fungicide applications should begin just after petal fall, which targets primary inoculum. If these infections are managed early, an epidemic can be avoided. Suggested products are oils (e.g. stylet oils) or sterol biosynthesis inhibiting fungicides such as propiconazole (on 14-day intervals). Remember that fungicide products containing sulfur should not be applied within a 2-week period of an oil product application due to the potential for phytotoxic effects. Postharvest burning of infected leaf matter has not been shown to decrease the incidence of disease in subsequent years.

Finalists Announced for Grow-NY $3 Million Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition

Empire State Development and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement have announced the inaugural 18 finalists for Grow-NY, a food innovation and agriculture technology business challenge focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage, and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.

“The Grow-NY competition has attracted a group of diverse, innovative entrepreneurs who are ready to focus on finding new ways to further transform New York State’s world-renowned food and agricultural industry,” Governor Cuomo said. “Through efforts like Grow-NY, we are continuing to bolster these regional economies and foster statewide growth in this critical industry.”

In all, 199 applicants hailed from North America, Europe, Central America, Africa, the Middle East, and New Zealand, as well as hundreds of inquiries from food and agriculture startups. In the U.S., 23 states were represented, including 112 entries from New York. Females comprised 32 percent of applicants, and among those who indicated an ethnicity, 46 percent were non-white.

The finalists represent the top 10 percent of submissions, as determined by a panel of 30 independent judges comprising the spectrum of food, beverage, and agriculture businesses and academics. Grow-NY will award a total of $3 million in prize money to seven winners. This includes a $1 million top prize, two $500,000 prizes, and four $250,000 prizes.

The 18 finalists are:

• AgVoice, Norcross, Ga. — Enables food and ag workers to use management tools on-the-go

• Capro-X, Ithaca, N.Y. — Upcycles dairy waste into valuable biofuels and bioplastics

• Combplex, Ithaca, N.Y. — Eliminates pests that threaten the health of honeybee hives

• Dropcopter, Syracuse, N.Y. — Leverages drones to pollinate crops and increase crop yield

• Halomine, Ithaca, N.Y. — Creates antimicrobial solutions to ensure food safety

• Independent Barley & Malt, Litchfield, Mich. — Growing new supply chains to provide world-class malt for the craft food and beverage market

• Livestock Water Recycling, Alberta, Canada — Modernizes manure management to improve yield and sustainability.

• Nuravine, New York, N.Y. — Maximizes indoor and greenhouse crop yield via water nutrient solutions

• Paragon Pure, Princeton, N.J. — Creates flavors, colors and nutrients protected within whole grain rice flour

• Perfect Granola, Victor, N.Y. — Crafts locally-sourced granola for NY schools while giving back

• Radical Plastics, Beverly, Mass. —Developed a patented catalyst technology that renders conventional plastics biodegradable

• RealEats America, Geneva, N.Y. — Delivers fresh, healthy meals, while minimizing food waste

• Re-Nuble, Rochester, N.Y. — Transforms food waste into organic nutrients as a sustainable alternative to mineral salts

• Simply Good Jars, Philadelphia, Pa. — Expands access to fresh and healthy foods via high-tech vending machines

• Slate Chocolate Milk, Boston, Mass. — Crafts better chocolate milk in cans, for adults

• Tiliter, Munich, Germany — Identifies products at supermarket checkouts with AI—no bar code needed

• Varcode USA, Naperville, Ill. —Monitors temperature changes of products using high-tech barcodes

• Whole Healthy Food (Healthy Baby), Ithaca, N.Y. — Develops new food ingredients with therapeutic benefits

The finalists will pitch their ideas and business plans at the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Tickets, sponsor, exhibition and volunteer information is available at https://growny.splashthat.com.

All finalists will receive:

• Dedicated mentorship from a hand-selected business advisor;

• Additional pitch training to hone their live pitches for the judges;

• An expenses-paid, three-day business development trip to the Grow-NY region for up to two finalists per team; and

• Networking introductions, business tours with potential partners, and valuable appointments for finalist team representatives.

Judges will base award decisions on the following five criteria:

• Viability of Commercialization and Business Model – the potential for the entrant to generate revenue and maintain a cost structure that allows for a competitive and sustainable business, demonstrate technological readiness, or innovate to fulfill its value proposition;

• Customer Value – the degree to which the entrant is providing something for which customers are willing to pay, and addressing a substantial market;

• Food and Agriculture Innovation – the extent to which the entrant is pushing what’s considered state-of-the-art in the food and agriculture industries, and contributing to Upstate NY’s status as a global leader in innovation in these markets;

• Regional Job Creation – the potential for creating high-quality jobs in the Grow-NY footprint; and

• Team – the quality and completeness of the team and its readiness to deliver.

Empire State Development is providing funding for the Grow-NY competition through its Upstate Revitalization Initiative, and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement is administering the competition. The winner will be required to make a positive economic impact in the Grow-NY region, which features counties within Central NY, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier of New York State. The winning business will help contribute to job growth, connect with local industry partners and contribute to a thriving economy.

To learn more about the finalists, mentors and judges, and to see full schedule of Grow-NY events, please visit grow-ny.com.

The Opioid Epidemic and Agriculture

The truth about opioids in the United States is sobering: no corner of the country remains untouched by the epidemic. With access to prevention, treatment, and support services sorely lacking in rural areas, these regions are now surpassing cities in rates of death from opioid overdose. Suzanne Flaum, Gleaning Assistant for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County writes, “Recent reports show that those who work in occupations with higher rates of injury (farming, construction, roofing, etc.) where workers are less able to take time off to heal are more likely to medicate acute or chronic pain symptoms with opioids, leading to increased likelihood of addiction.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union conducted a study in 2017. They found that 74 percent of farmers and farm workers report having been affected by opioid abuse, either by taking (and developing addictions to) these medications themselves, or by knowing someone who has dealt with an addiction. And only 38 percent of those people believe that local care would be effective, affordable, or covered by their health insurance.

If you, a friend, or family member is struggling with opioid use or addiction, CCE Orange County has collected these resources for finding necessary, life-saving help:

• 24/7 HOPELine, NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS): 1-877-846- 7369

• Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) treatment centers

• Narcotics Anonymous meeting finder

• Nar-Anon meeting finder (support for family or friends of those addicted)

• Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP)

2018 Farm Bill Passes House and Senate

In December, the 2018 Farm Bill, featuring more than $400 billion in agriculture subsidies, conservation programs, and food aid, passed the House 369–47 and the Senate 87–13. It was signed into law by President Donald Trump just before the holidays.

Although the President and the Republican majority in Congress were initially in favor of two provisions—more stringent work requirements for food stamp recipients, and relaxed restrictions on pesticide use—both became points of contention during House negotiations and were left off the Senate version of the bill.

Among its highlights, the bill reauthorizes crop insurance and conservation programs. It also supports trade programs, bioenergy production, and organic farming research, and it increases funding for employment and training programs by almost $15 million. Under the new law, dairy farmers will benefit from reduced-cost support programs, and industrial hemp cultivation will become legal. While the bill maintains current limits on farm subsidies, it expands the definition of family to include first cousins, nieces, and nephews, making them eligible for payments under the program.

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Today’s final vote for the 2018 Farm Bill is a major victory for New York’s farmers, rural communities and consumers. Farmers needed stronger risk management tools in place moving into next year, where there are signs that the economic stress will continue in the farming community. In particular, the new Farm Bill enhances the dairy safety net for farms of every size, including increasing the margin that qualifies for federal insurance programs. New York Farm Bureau also appreciates the research and support programs in the bill that will benefit New York’s specialty crop producers. Having some certainty moving forward in challenging times is a relief for farmers.”

Fisher continued, “In addition, the Farm Bill supports critical conservation programs, rural development projects, and marketing and research programs to expand market opportunities for farmers. It legalizes industrial hemp which will benefit farms interested in diversification. And the legislation provides permanent funding to help veterans and a new generation of beginning farmers. The biggest portion of the Farm Bill also guarantees Americans, who can least afford to eat, the ability to access the food farmers produce.”

Read a summary of the bill here.

Can a Robot Be the Future of Berry Crop Pollination?

Photo by Yu Gu, West Virginia University

Recognizing both the sobering statistics for colonies of pollinators and the steadily increasing global population, scientists at West Virginia University, in a project funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s National Robotics Initiative, have created a robot called the BrambleBee. Says Dr. Yu Gu, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at WVU, “We are not aiming at replacing bees. We are hoping to use the robotic pollinator in places where bees are not available or not enough.”

This includes high tunnels, where the growing season can be extended, but where pollination is more difficult because light diffusion makes it harder for honeybees to navigate the crops.

So far, the BrambleBee has been tested on blackberry plantings. Like a self-driving car, the BrambleBee is a robot that learns to navigate specific places. Using lidar—a detection system that works similarly to radar, but uses light from a laser instead of radio waves—the robot first creates a 3-D map of a greenhouse. It then passes through the rows again, with the purpose of reaching as many flowers as possible with its mechanical arm. After positioning itself in front of a plant, the BrambleBee takes photos of the plants and flowers and creates an even higher-resolution map.

When it finds a flower that’s ready for pollination, the BrambleBee extends a small 3-D-printed brush with flexible polyurethane bristles—modeled on the scopa, or hairs of the honeybee—to gently loosen the pollen. This transfers the pollen from the anthers to the pistils for pollination. The BrambleBee is thought to be careful enough to work alongside bees, as opposed to miniature pollinating drones, which may injure bees as they hover over and around crops.

Says Dr. Nicole Waterland, Associate Professor of Horticulture at WVU, “A robotic pollinator does not need to rest and could potentially pollinate continually.” Another benefit of the BrambleBee: the ability to work in multiple locations. Neighboring farms could share the cost of a unit and then transfer the robot between them for autonomous pollination.

The BrambleBee is still in the experimental stage, but early results are promising for it and other robotic tools. “We hope this is the beginning of a new era in crop production using robotic systems,” Waterland says. “We would like to utilize this platform as a start to create a robot that could act as a grower’s assistant. We hope the robot could help with monitoring the health status of the plant, e.g., monitoring water status and nutrient needs.”

Getting Ready for the Season and H-2A Applications

With a huge increase in applications to the H-2A guestworker program over the past few years an average processing time of 90 days, it’s critical for growers to submit their paperwork as early as possible, to avoid some of the delays we experienced last year in getting workers onto our farms. If you haven’t gotten started on your applications yet, now is the time to get moving. Here are some good guidelines to remember:

Review your farm’s work activities and rules, including related disciplinary policies (e.g., verbal warning, written warning, termination). Write them down; you’ll need them for your H-2A contract.

Create job descriptions for your H-2A workers. Be specific about the type of work and the physical requirements (e.g., bending, lifting, climbing a ladder, driving). Remember that, by law, your H-2A hires area allowed to work on only those tasks.

Determine whether you prefer to apply directly to the program, with or without the assistance of an agent, or hire a contractor to handle it. If you choose a contractor, clarify all responsibilities and fees up front, ask about compliance processes, and request references of previous customers, so you can make sure your money will be well spent.

Confirm that you can secure appropriate housing, including cooking facilities, if meals won’t be provided.

Create a plan for worker transportation, both to and from your farm at the start and end of the season, as well as daily transportation from worker housing to your farm and weekly trips to the grocery store. If you’re using your own van or car, make sure it’s up-to-date on maintenance and repairs.

For more considerations on the benefits and drawbacks of the H-2A guestworker program, read this overview from our neighbors at Community Involved in Supporting Agriculture.

And don’t start this season without checking out this downloadable PDF from Texas A&M on the difference between an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audit and a raid, and how you can be prepared for either.