Assemblyman Brian Maher has joined other minority state legislators in calling on President Donald J. Trump to end the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s pause on funding for the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University.
The lawmakers, led by Senator George Borrello, sent a letter to the president expressing concern that the funding freeze threatens Cornell’s research farms and Cooperative Extensions. These programs are described as essential resources for New York farmers and rural communities. According to the letter, without prompt action, some programs could close, putting local agriculture, rural economies, and food security at risk.
Cornell CALS is recognized for its role in supporting major dairy producers as well as various livestock and crop farms throughout New York. Its research farms and Cooperative Extensions are active in many local communities.
“Cornell’s agricultural programs provide critical research, education and on-the-ground support that our farmers depend on,” said Maher. “This funding pause jeopardizes not just vital programs but the future of New York’s entire farming community. We’re urging the administration to act quickly so our farmers can continue to operate.”
The letter also notes that innovation and technical support from CALS have been crucial for New York farmers facing high costs. Some local programs have already suspended operations due to delays in funding, which has affected farmers’ ability to bring products to market.
A fifth-generation family farm producing over 75 million apples annually credited Cornell’s agricultural research partnerships with helping it survive through generations. The family stated: “The research Cornell is doing on a daily basis directly impacts our communities’ shared goals of reduced chemical usage, reduced food waste, more efficient water usage, improved yields and a healthy local food system. We call on the USDA to keep our farming support institutions like Cornell healthy, so we can keep our farming community healthy.”
Maher stressed that restoring USDA funding is necessary for the stability of agriculture in New York: “Farmers are the backbone of our rural communities,” he said. “Supporting institutions like Cornell CALS is key to protecting that way of life.”
