Albany, NY – Assemblyman Schiavoni, a member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, invited Ian Calder-Piedmonte, co-owner of Balsam Farms and East Hampton Town Councilmember, to testify at an Agriculture Committee Hearing to examine the impact and effectiveness of agriculture programs which assist young and emerging farmers.

During the hearing, Assemblyman Schiavoni and Councilman Calder-Piedmonte highlighted issues faced by the agriculture industry on Eastern Long Island and across New York State, including the success of the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) and other farmland preservation efforts spearheaded by local governments; the importance of non-profit land trust organizations; affordability and farming workforce housing; and protecting development rights for future generations of farmers.

To view a recording of Mr. Calder-Piedmont’s introductory testimony, click here.

To view archived footage of the entire hearing, click here.

Assemblyman Schiavoni said, “It is crucial that local and state leaders prioritize and emphasize the next generation of farmers and across New York State. Agriculture and aquaculture are critical industries on the East End, and I’m proud of the work being done in our region and across the state to empower future generations, however, there is still work to be done.

Land access and affordability is a major hurdle for existing and emerging farmers across our state, and on the East End these issues are especially heightened. I look forward to future consideration of advanced solutions with this hearing’s discussions in mind. I am also pleased that the Community Preservation Fund for the 5 East End Towns continues to serve as a model for effective farmland and open space preservation.

I look forward to continuing to work with Richard Ball, NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and my colleagues in the Legislature to advance solutions for the agriculture and aquaculture industries.”

Ian Calder-Piedmonte said, “It was an honor to testify before the Agriculture Committee at the New York State Assembly, and I want to thank Assemblymember Tommy John for the opportunity and for his leadership on agricultural issues. It’s imperative that New York continue to support both emerging and established farmers. On the East End of Long Island, we often face challenges – particularly around affordability – that the rest of the state may soon encounter. I hope my testimony helps highlight these issues and contributes to continued state support for agriculture.”