Congressman Riley Announces Launch of Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board

New York Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) has announced the launch of the Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board. The board is to provide advice, recommendations, and input for Congressman Riley for his work in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. The Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board will consist of farmers, producers, elected officials, and local stakeholders from the 19th Congressional District.

“For too long, DC politicians have ignored the voices of the hard-working farmers who put food on our tables and drive our economy,” said Congressman Josh Riley. “I’m proud to launch the Upstate Agriculture Advisory Board so our community—not just the Big Ag monopolies—are heard and have a seat at the table.”

Congressman Riley says the first meeting was held this past Thursday, February 20th at SUNY Oneonta. The board discussed needs, priorities, and the current economic conditions for both growers and producers throughout Upstate New York. One of the members of the board includes Mike McMahon, Chair of the Cortland County IDA and owner of Ez Acres Farms.

“We are now in our second year without a farm bill and the timing couldn’t be worse,” said Mike McMahon,” Owner of EZ Acres Farms. “New York farmers are facing increased challenges from proposed tariffs with our largest trading partner to funding freezes on funding that we were promised . At the same time the USDA and Farm Service Agency are being gutted by DOGE. We need Congress to address these issues. I’m pleased that we have Josh Riley to advocate for agriculture in the House.”

There are only two US Representatives from New York in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee with Rep. Riley being one of them. The Committee writes a farm bill every five years. The legislation allocates funding for crop insurance, conservation initiatives, rural development, and food assistance programs such as SNAP.