Executive Open Office Hours
The Department hosts Virtual Executive Open Office Hours every month. This is a time for New York State's individual stakeholders in agriculture to collectively learn more about industry activities, as well as to directly communicate with decision makers. Attendees will hear the background behind Information & Opportunities items, learn updated details on activities, and directly connect with the Department.
Upcoming PUBLIC Virtual Executive Open Office Hours:
July
August
AGM Diversity and Inclusion Network
Connect. Inform. Be Informed.
The Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) Diversity and Inclusion Network is a platform for New York State’s historically underrepresented and underserved communities in agriculture and their allies to inform future priorities, learn about resources, and gain valuable government insight while making connections with each other.
Sign up to directly receive information related to the Diversity & Inclusion Network meetings and time-sensitive communication regarding notable news and announcements focused on Network interests – Sign up for the AGM Diversity & Inclusion Network Communications List here.
Information Sessions
The Department will host online information briefings on select topics throughout the year to support education and awareness. All interested in the topic are encouraged to submit questions in advance to [email protected]. Please identify which session the question pertains to in the subject line of the email.
Recordings of sessions will be publicly available. Registration is required.
Information Sessions Recordings
Cultural Villages at the New York State Fair
The leadership of the cultural villages at the 2025 New York State Fair will share the history, purpose, and activities to expect this year. Attendees will learn from the leadership from the Asian Village, Van Robinson Pan African Village, Latino Village, and Indian Village. After brief presentations, presenters will answer questions during a panel discussion period. Held August 2025.
What Can the Cornell Small Farms Program Do for You?
The Cornell Small Farms Program serves as a clearinghouse of news and information, a source of online and in-person training, and a network builder. The program works with collaborators around the state to support and uplift small-scale farming as a dignified, viable, and meaningful livelihood. Erica Frenay (Associate Director of Distance Learning and Special Projects) and Connor Youngerman (Agroforestry & Mushroom Specialist) share about the team’s work supporting equity and resilience in New York’s agricultural community, as well as how you can participate. Held April 2025.
A recording of the Cornell Small Farms Program information session is available here.
Selling Your New York State Products through New York State Programs
What programs exist to promote New York State products? How do I qualify my products for these programs? How do I find funding opportunities and connect to buyers? Learn how to best navigate key sections of the Department’s website to find programs and resources to support New York State operations. Held March 2025.
NY State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Supports Agriculture
The New York State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is part of the Empire State Development programs aimed to support small business with more than $500 million of federal funding. Ray Salaberrios, Senior Vice President of Small Business Capital Access, will speak to the diverse funding programs available and where opportunity lies for agriculture support. Attendees are encouraged to review the SSBCI webpage (State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) | Empire State Development) to be better prepared to ask questions and engage. Held February 2025
What is FarmNet?
From business planning strategies and assessing retirement options to mental health support and mediation services, NY FarmNet provides a broad range of assistance tailored to the distinct needs of farmers. NY FarmNet’s Outreach Director Adam Howell will present on some of the program’s resources and confidential consulting services available at no cost to participants. Held October 2024.
A recording of the What is FarmNet? information session is available here.
Outreach: Resources and Support Activities
Assistant Commissioner Damali Wynter will share the Department’s Outreach strategies, activities, and resources to support individual stakeholders and organizations within New York State’s agriculture and related communities. This session will provide new insights for farm operations, food system advocates, and its allies to improve awareness of opportunities, engagement with government, and navigation of government processes. Questions are welcomed. Held September 2024.
A recording of the Outreach: Resources and Support Activities information session is available here.
Cultural Villages at the Great New York State Fair
The leadership of the cultural villages at the 2024 New York State Fair share the history, purpose, and activities to expect this year. Attendees will learn from presentations from leadership from the Pan-African Village, Latino Village, Asian Village, and Indian Village. Held July 2024.
Understanding New York State Government
New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Geoff Palmer, will share valuable information and perspective on general New York State government activities and insights to support the work of agriculture advocacy. With the goal to inform actionable work, attendees will hear unique insights on the significance of the legislative session, purpose of hearings, role of the executive budget, policy development, impact of federal activities, and much more. Held June 2024.
A recording of the Understanding New York State Government information session is available here.
Fundamentals of Grant Opportunities at the Department
This presentation will discuss finding and applying for grant opportunities made available through AGM, including how to access and submit applications for grants in the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Insights to address common stumbling blocks and raise awareness of essential sections within grant opportunities will also be shared to support comprehensive proposals and applications. Held May 2024.
Soil Health and Environmental Conservation
The Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Agricultural Environmental Management Program (AEM) will present on agricultural conservation, climate resilient farming, and other state grant programs that promote and foster the adoption of soil health practices. Attendees will also learn about the network of County Soil and Water Conservation Districts who work with farmers to advance environmental management and apply for state grants. AEM supports common-sense, cost-effective, and science-based decisions to meet farm goals while protecting and conserving New York‘s natural resources. Held April 2024.
A recording of the Soil Health and Environmental Conservation information session is available here.
2022 Census of Agriculture
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture will be released throughout 2024. The New York State Director of the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Charles Walker, will present on the census process, share some of the demographic data, and answer your questions. Held March 2024.
Additional Information: Reports_2022 Census by State - New York
Emergency Management
The Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Emergency Management Coordinator, Paolo Audino, will present guidance on seasonal preparation, priority actions should damage occur, tips to navigate U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources, and answer questions. Held January 2024.
A recording of the Emergency Management information session is available here.