NYS Agriculture and Markets confirmed the invasive box tree moth in Nassau County in September, the first find outside the quarantine area set in 2024. The department is asking Long Island residents to report sightings while it continues surveys, since the pest can seriously damage boxwood.
USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has released actuarial updates for the 2027 crop year. A notable new option is the Fire Insurance Protection-Smoke Index (FIP-SI) endorsement, offering New York fruit and specialty crop growers additional protection against smoke-related crop damage. RMA also released projected prices for the 2027 Common Crop Insurance Policy. Farmers should consult
USDA Farm Service Agency has implemented updates to the Farm Loan Programs. Changes include revised terms, eligibility criteria, and application processes. New York farmer veterans should contact their local FSA office or visit the FSA website for details on how these changes may affect direct and guaranteed farm loan applications. For FVC NY members seeking
On October 13, 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made a major “American Farmer First” policy announcement during a multi-state agricultural tour in Iowa and Wisconsin. According to the EPA media advisory issued by the Office of the Administrator, the announcement relates to reducing regulatory burdens on farmers. Full policy details are available on the EPA
The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets awarded $3 million to 10 organizations through its Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program. Funded programs cover food processing, food safety, farm equipment operation, butcher apprenticeships, and agricultural data.
USDA FSA expects about $13.8 billion in 2025 crop year Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments, subject to 5.7% sequestration and a $160,000 payment limit. For 2025 only, producers receive the higher of the ARC or PLC payment.
USDA FSA is taking public comment through December 14, 2026 on revisions to its Disaster Assistance-General and Critical Customer Data (AD-2047) information collections, including electronic filing under One Farmer, One File.
The VA approved $2.681 billion in non-recurring maintenance projects at its facilities in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, funded from a $4.8 billion budget.
USDA AMS awarded $86.6 million to about 609 projects in 56 states and territories supporting fruits, vegetables, nursery crops, and other specialty crops. The full project list by state is on the AMS program page.
