Bethany Bzduch

This 2025 Annual Report from the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy provides a comprehensive overview of food insecurity challenges, existing solutions, and proposed new strategies for New York State. The report evaluates the nuanced problem of hunger, assesses the state's navigation of near-term challenges like federal policy shifts and government shutdowns, and details solutions across economic vitality, food as medicine, food assistance networks, and food access programs. Key recommendations for the future focus on improving communication, mitigating crises, strengthening partnerships, and proactively addressing potential funding cuts to ensure a resilient and equitable food system for all New Yorkers.

The meeting agenda focused on presentations related to the New York Apple Industry. Key discussion topics included budget requests, statewide orchard Integrated Pest Management (IPM) support, assessment of advanced apple selections, orchard systems and rootstocks for yield improvement, precision orchard management, evaluation of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) integration, fungicide residue evaluation, genetic targets for fire blight resistance, inactivation challenges for Mucor piriformis in apple cider, orchard leasing practices, storage needs for New York grown apples, peel sap analysis for long-term storage, bloom thinning using the pollen tube growth model, DNA editing for fire blight susceptibility genes, efficacy of UV-C light against pathogens and insects, management of Blister Spot Disease, monitoring of Plum Curculio abundance and insecticide efficacy, assessment of antifeedant compounds for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug management, quantifying freeze acclimation in apple rootstocks, disease management programs without certain fungicides, investigation of pre-harvest fungicides and rots, management programs for summer leaf spot diseases, influence of pyrethroids on woolly apple aphid natural enemies, mating disruption timing for codling moth, and understanding temperature's role in Ambrosia Beetle development. Additionally, the performance and safety of electrical weed control in newly planted orchards were discussed.

The meeting included board member reports and administrative updates on the Apple Marketing Order. Financial reports and collections were reviewed, including cash on hand, assessment income, and a budget forecast for FY25-26. The board also discussed proposal presentations and board motions.

The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee (NYS SWCC) focuses on five key goals: (1) supporting Conservation District operations through improved staff capacity, funding, and training; (2) enhancing public awareness and recognition of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs); (3) expanding data management, quantification, and reporting capabilities; (4) advancing comprehensive natural resources management through technical services and program delivery, including Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM), stormwater management, and ecosystem-based management; and (5) fostering cooperative conservation partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies. The plan aims to improve SWCD effectiveness, increase public understanding of their work, enhance data-driven decision-making, and promote comprehensive natural resource management across all land uses to meet statewide environmental goals, including those outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Outcomes include increased funding for SWCDs, improved staff training and capacity, enhanced public awareness, better data management and analysis, and strengthened partnerships to support effective conservation efforts.

The meeting included introductions of committee members and advisory members from various agencies and organizations. A discussion took place regarding the postponement of the presentation of the AMEM Certified Planner CNMP Quality Assurance Program and the review and approval of the Climate Resilient Farming Round 8 Request for Proposals due to new information regarding the documentation of matching resources. Correspondence was reviewed, including a letter from the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District expressing concern over conservation practice approval policies, specifically regarding the certification requirements for cover crops. The committee discussed the possibility of grandfathering in individuals with significant experience and considered revising the soil health policy to address the certification requirements.