EXAMINE AND REVISE POLICIES ON EVERY LEVEL TO ENCOURAGE REGIONAL AGRICULTURE

The region’s farmers compete with products from the globalized, industrialized food system that can deliver food (or as Michael Pollan would say, ‘food like’ products) at far cheaper prices. Federal subsidies support commodity crops, rather than the fruits, vegetables and pastured meats produced in Valley. Regulations designed for problems primarily caused by industrial production impose a tremendous burden on smaller regional producers.

While the first and foremost issue is taxes, farmers are also impacted by inconsistent or unintentionally burdensome local regulations.

A) Work to change federal trade and farm policies to reflect the needs of Hudson Valley farmers and consumers.

1. Revamp federal trade and subsidy policies to level the playing field for regional farmers.

2. Ensure that regulations are scale appropriate and do not create undue regulatory barriers to smaller farmers.

3. Take steps to ensure long-term labor and workforce supply.

4. State officials and regional agriculture advocates must.

• Strive to educate USDA officials about the needs of the region’s farmers and the opportunities they provide for effective community development.

• Promote procurement policies that mandate local sourcing, in particular by by schools and institutions.

• Support development of conservation support programs for permaculture, biodynamic production and other models of sustainable agriculture.

5. The Federal and State government must recognize that the Hudson River and its tributaries can be vibrant fisheries and serve as an important protein source in the future.

• Action must be taken on the state and federal levels to clean up the river to open the way for the revitalization of the fisheries. Targets for the achievement of these goals can be implemented and monitored through New York’s Hudson River Estuary Management Program.

6. Establish real estate tax policies that are conducive to continuing and expanding farming.

B) Local governments should examine their laws and regulations and revise if and as necessary to support farmers.

1. They should be encouraged to develop land use policies that support working farms, allow for farm-related retail and processing infrastructure, and encourage development in main streets and downtown neighborhoods, rather than on farmland.

2. Communities should strive for consistency of land use regulations impacting farmers who operate on land in more than one jurisdiction.

C) Action must be taken on every level to ensure that healthful, regional food is widely available, regardless of economic status.

1. Increase the funding for WIC, Fresh Checks, food pantries and other hunger prevention and nutrition assistance programs that enable Valley residents of all incomes to purchase nutritious foods.

2. Change procurement policies that prevent or discourage the purchase of local products by schools, prisons and other public institutions.

3. When addressing issues of affordability and accessibility, give full consideration to how to provide fair share for the farmer.

4. Encourage urban agriculture and community gardens to increase access to nutritious food and connect residents to food production.

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