On Tuesday May 16th, NEAFA President Jenny Mills, Vice-President Charlie Elrod and Treasurer Barry Baetz traveled to Albany and engaged in a day of advocacy meetings. The primary issue of focus was sharing information about the NEAFA’s opposition to the proposed ban on treated seeds (S.1856(Hoylman-Sigal)/A.3226 (Glick)). In addition the group thanked legislative leaders for the many restorations of funds and policies included in the recently enacted state budget, details about the recently announced fairlife milk processing plant in Monroe County and concerns about the oversight of wetlands.
This was also an opportunity to introduce some of the NEAFA leadership team to legislators from around the state.
Conversations were productive but the possibility of a version of the neonic ban remains very real. A further update will be included in the June newsletter.