Will Boost Rural Communities and Support Future Farm Leaders
Today, Congressman Josh Riley announced two new bipartisan initiatives that he will lead in upcoming negotiations on the Farm Bill. Riley’s proposals will direct funding to the rural communities that need it most and ensure the next generation of producers has the support they need to continue Upstate New York’s proud agricultural legacy.
“For too long, family farms in small towns all across Upstate New York have been sold out to special interests who spend millions lobbying on behalf of the Big Ag monopolies,” said Riley. “I’m fighting to change that by supporting the next generation of Upstate farmers with the tools they need to grow our food and strengthen our economy.”
The Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act reauthorizes and expands funding for rural cooperative development grants, which are a lifeline for many rural small businesses, farmers, and cooperatives. The bill provides local producers in economically distressed communities with technical assistance, training, and capital access. Riley is introducing this bill alongside California Republican David Valadao.
Riley’s second bill, The Future FARMERS Act, reauthorizes over $40 million in grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education to support the next generation of Upstate New York’s agricultural leaders. Riley is introducing this bill with Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Riley is working to protect family farms and ensure local Upstate farmers get their fair share.
In just his first two months in office, he has already championed bipartisan efforts to lower costs, strengthen dairy farm resilience, stop price gouging, boost family farms, and stop the spread of avian flu.
He also recently launched the Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board to provide recommendations and input for his work on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
Full text of the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act can be found HERE.
Full text of the Future FARMERS Act can be found HERE.
