Governor Kathy Hochul today convened a roundtable with New York agriculture leaders to discuss global competitiveness and international markets in the wake of the Trump Administration’s trade tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. The Governor encourages businesses, including New York’s farms, to report the effects of these tariffs on their work to TariffImpact@esd.ny.gov.
“From the North Country to the Southern Tier, farmers are the backbone of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of our farmers rely on export sales of their products, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against this misguided tariff policy and ensure the government is doing what it is supposed to do, which is help, not hurt, New York farmers.”
Starting today, the Trump Administration has placed a 25 percent tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico as well as a 10 percent tariff on energy resources from Canada. The impact is expected to raise costs for the average New Yorker by as much as $1,200 a year. To continue the Governor’s steadfast support for New York’s farms and agribusinesses as trade tariffs take effect, New York State has established an email address for businesses, including farms, to report the effects of these tariffs. While the new policy begins to take effect, information provided to TariffImpact@esd.ny.gov will help provide a real time understanding of the impact of the tariffs on the New York agricultural industry and other sectors across the state.
Recognizing agriculture as a cornerstone of New York’s economy, Governor Hochul has made record investments to support the state’s agricultural community and will continue to support this vital industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, investments in agricultural priorities are up 60 percent since 2022. The Governor has also implemented a number of innovative cost-saving initiatives, such as the investment tax credit—most recently making it fully refundable, the overtime credit for farmers, and the workforce credit. These programs are helping to offset rising costs, from labor to equipment and supplies. In addition, the Governor has championed programs to strengthen New York’s food supply chain, connect our farmers to consumers, open new market opportunities for the industry, while ensuring increased access of local food to our underserved communities.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I’m thankful to Governor Hochul for bringing key members of the agricultural community together to discuss the challenges that are before us, from the competitiveness of specialty crops to international trade agreements, and more. Hearing directly from our farmers provides valuable perspective so that the State can understand how to better help and support our agricultural community—our farmers and our agribusinesses who provide food for our communities across the State and across the globe.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul, New York continues to support, promote and lift up its agribusinesses and small businesses. By hearing directly from farmers and business owners, the State will be able to better understand how it can assist these economic cornerstones of our communities.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “We appreciate Governor Hochul’s willingness to invite our members to the table to discuss the issues most important to New York agriculture, including how tariffs will directly affect farmers’ bottom line. By telling our stories and sharing our real, everyday challenges, we make our voices heard so that we can continue to provide healthy, accessible food for all New Yorkers – and keep farming sustainable and successful.”
Farm Credit East Director of Knowledge Exchange Chris Laughton said, “We appreciate the opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul to discuss the concerns of farmers across New York, including potential tariffs and trade as well as state programs important to agriculture. Agriculture is a driving force behind New York’s economy, and the state’s farm and forestry producers export around $3 billion per year to destinations worldwide. A favorable business environment inclusive of export opportunities is important to New York farm families.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Trump administration’s tariff plan will deal a direct blow to our food supply and New York’s family farms. While many large farms across the country export their goods, New York farms maintain primarily local markets. However, tariffs are not one-sided, and with all but guaranteed retaliatory actions coming, our supply chains will become saturated by industry giants, squeezing our farmers and leaving many without a path to stay in business. Once we lose local farms, they rarely come back. That means less control over what we eat and where it comes from. Food security is national security, and these reckless policies put both at risk. While the federal government barrels down this destructive path, we will do everything in our power to help New York farmers. I thank Governor Hochul for taking action to track these impacts so we can target support, and I call on federal representatives, especially those in the majority, to listen to the farmers in their districts and across the country who could lose everything because of these disastrous policies and stand up for them.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “The tariffs the President has imposed on Canada and Mexico, covers more than $900 billion worth of annual U.S. imports. Economists predict that this will deal a major setback to the entire Northern American economy. The impact on agriculture alone will be significant. In New York we would expect to see an immediate impact on the cost of energy and fertilizer, along with a fear of retaliatory measures effecting exported dairy products, corn, soy beans, and feed grains.The resulting inflation will be an egregious affront to hardworking farm families in NY and across the country. I’d like to thank the Governor for drawing attention to this emerging concern and for listening to our farmers and wanting to help.”