New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Background

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is a state agency dedicated to promoting and safeguarding New York's agricultural industry. Established in 1926, its mission encompasses fostering agricultural environmental stewardship, ensuring the safety of the state's food supply, and supporting the viability and growth of New York's agriculture industries. AGM operates The Great New York State Fair, a significant annual event that showcases the state's agricultural heritage and innovations.

Key Strategic Focus

AGM's strategic initiatives are centered around:

Market Development and Promotion: Programs like Taste NY and NYS Grown & Certified® aim to connect New York's farmers to new markets, increase sales, and enhance the visibility of local products.

Food Safety and Inspection: Ensuring the safety and quality of food products through rigorous inspection and testing programs.

Environmental Stewardship: Protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Support for Farmers: Providing assistance to farmers, including programs like the Dairy Acceleration Program, which supports dairy farms in New York.

Financials and Funding

For the fiscal year 2026, AGM's budget is approximately $364.2 million, reflecting an increase from the previous year. The budget allocation includes:

State Operations: $209.2 million

Aid to Localities: $73.4 million

Capital Projects: $81.6 million

A significant portion of the capital budget is allocated to ongoing improvements and rehabilitations at the State Fairgrounds.

Pipeline Development

AGM oversees various programs aimed at supporting and developing New York's agricultural sector, including:

Dairy Acceleration Program: Assists dairy farms in New York to enhance their operations and sustainability.

NYS Grown & Certified® Program: Aims to connect New York's farmers to new markets, increase sales, and enhance the visibility of local products.

Technological Platform and Innovation

AGM employs various technological platforms and scientific methodologies to support its initiatives, including:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A program that provides science-based strategies for managing pests in communities across New York.

Data Analytics: Utilizing data to inform policy decisions and program development, such as analyzing the economic impact of agriculture in New York.

Leadership Team

AGM is led by Commissioner Richard Ball, who has been serving in this role for several years. Under his leadership, the department has focused on promoting New York's agricultural products, ensuring food safety, and supporting environmental stewardship.

Market Insights and Dynamics

New York's agricultural industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy, with farms grossing $8.5 billion in income in 2022, marking a 47.8% increase from 2017 to 2022.

Competitor Analysis and Strategic Collaborations

AGM collaborates with various organizations to support the agricultural sector, including:

Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Provides research and extension services to farmers.

New York State Integrated Pest Management Program: Offers science-based strategies for managing pests and collaborates closely with AGM to enhance pest management across the state.

These partnerships reinforce AGM's ability to leverage scientific research and innovation to benefit farmers and the broader agricultural community.

Operational Insights

AGM's strategic initiatives, such as the Dairy Acceleration Program and the NYS Grown & Certified® Program, are designed to support and develop New York's agricultural sector, ensuring its competitiveness and sustainability.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

AGM continues to focus on enhancing the viability and growth of New York's agricultural industries through various programs and initiatives, including: