The Department is committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in New York State’s agricultural industry. Members of New York’s historically underrepresented and underserved communities are critical to New York agriculture, working as producers, growers, business owners, and thought leaders. They additionally serve their communities as resource developers, advocates, allies, and other food system stakeholders who are focused on uplifting historically marginalized groups.

Recognizing a diversity of distinct experiences, the Department's DEI outreach efforts aim to build relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and rural farmers, organizations, and related stakeholders to improve understanding of the unique challenges these communities face. The Department additionally aims to better communicate opportunities in the industry and to develop new resources to support increased access and engagement.

The Department welcomes the opportunity to make new connections with individuals and organizations as staff continue to expand their perspective and Department DEI-related efforts within agriculture.

The Department continues to recognize and support the many cultures that form historically underrepresented and underserved communities within New York’s agricultural industry. This includes farm operations and allied organizations owned by or serving military service veterans, beginning farmers, urban growers, rural farmers, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ producers, and other too often overlooked and marginalized communities who face distinct challenges. This work is executed through a multi-pronged effort, which includes increasing awareness and understanding the processes of how to find, pursue, and participate in helpful resources and opportunities like trainings, networking events, and grant programs.

As the Department continues to expand its perspective, we welcome the insight of leaders within the food system and agricultural-focused organizations of all backgrounds to help inform the agency on how it can continue to implement initiatives that strengthen and benefit all cultures within New York State agriculture.

Significant accomplishments related to Department activities include:

• hosting the first in-person Diversity & Inclusion Network gathering (uniting leadership from agriculture-focused organizations with multiple state agencies for education, connections, and resources);
• developing discussion groups, programs, and resource opportunities with increasing participation from farm operations and related food system organizations;   
• improving public awareness of state agency resources and programs that benefit the agriculture community located outside of the Department (i.e., Office of Language Access, Office of New Americans, Office of Mental Health, and Department of Health); and
• distributing of state funding to socially and economically disadvantaged farmers, as well as new and beginning farmers, through program administrators.

Looking ahead, the Department continues to support the long-term sustainability of the full diversity of New York State agriculture and related services. Some notable funding in New York State’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes:

• $30,000,000 Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program to provide direct payments to farmers
• $11.300,000 in operating support and $3,200,000 in capital funds for Agri-Business Child Development to support early child care centers for families working in agriculture.
• $1,400,000 to support NY FarmNet's wide range of farm and family assistance;
• $500,000 for the Equitable Farm Future Initiative;
• $200,000 for the Northeast Organic Farming Association;
• $150,000 for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s initiatives to bridge the Upstate-Downstate Food Network Divide;
• $500,000 for the Cornell Small Farms Program;
• $225,000 for Pace University's Food and Farm Business Law Clinic;
• $1 million funding to support beginning farmers; 
• $1 million funding to support disadvantaged farmers;
• $500,000 for New York State Ag in the Classroom; 
• $200,000 for the Black Farmers United – New York State organization;
• $50,000 to support MANRRS organization’s (formerly Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) charters and develop new ones;
• $139,000 for the Farmers Market Federation;
• $500,000 for the John May Farm Safety Fund; and
• $1 million for the NY Agriculture Workforce Association.