May 22, 2013 — Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.

In this story: New York's the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn't the only challenge growers are contending with  Go to full article

Apr 24, 2013 — Human trafficking is a growing problem across the country...including here in the North Country. Undocumented farmworkers can be threatened with deportation. Sex workers or foreign brides can be held against their will. Foreign students with visas to work at Adirondack tourism destinations are vulnerable.

Law enforcement and area not-for-profits are joining forces to stop human trafficking in the North Country. Representatives from Homeland Security, the state attorney general's office and labor department, and social service agencies from St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin counties met earlier this month at SUNY Potsdam. They were joined by not-for-profits that help immigrants, domestic violence victims, and other vulnerable people.

Renan Salgado is a human trafficking specialist with the Worker Justice Center of New York. He's organizing the North Country human trafficking task force. He spoke with David Sommerstein.  Go to full article

Apr 18, 2013 — U.S. Senator Charles Schumer says a new bipartisan immigration deal will provide an economic boost to New York farms and the agriculture industry.

In a press release, Schumer says the bill will be especially helpful to dairy farms and fruit growers.  Go to full article

Mar 26, 2013 — The region's representatives are getting a close look at the details of the budget to be finalized in Albany this week.

Word is out on money for local roads and bridges, and parts of the agriculture and markets budget.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, Mar 01, 2013 — North Country Congressman Bill Owens says the impact of cuts at the federal prison in Ray Brook is on his mind. He says officials there will have some discretion as far as where to cut. "I'm counting on management in those circumstances," says Owens, "to make sure that they do their furloughing in such a way that they do manage this for the safety of the officers and obviously the prisoners."

Owens held a telephone press conference yesterday afternoon to discuss the impacts of the across-the-board federal cuts known as the sequester. The Democrat says the standoff in Washington may only change if the public feels some pain.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 19, 2012 — Food is on many a mind as Thanksgiving approaches. Of course, there will be potatoes, squash, and green beans for the big meal. But what about something different?

This past summer, Julie Grant was at the Canton farmers' market looking for something new to put on the table. So she picked up a space-age looking veggie, a kohlrabi, and set out to find some recipes.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Jun 05, 2012 — The new federal Farm Bill reaches the Senate floor this week. The farm bill includes a myriad of policies that will affect farms and food over the next five years. It's been the subject of public hearings and committee reviews in the House and Senate.

The conversation about the future of agriculture never stops in farming areas like the North Country. Yesterday afternoon, Congressman Bill Owens came to Canton Central School to speak with students of FFA.

Tasha Haverty reports.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, Apr 27, 2012 — The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee approved the Farm Bill Thursday, by a vote of 16 to 5. The bill is expected to cut agricultural spending by almost $25 billion over the next decade.

It ends direct payments to farmers, and replaces them with federal crop insurance. The farm bill also authorizes federal nutrition programs, such as food stamps. Those programs will see a $4 billion cut over the next decade in the Senate bill.

That's a major reason why New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand voted against the bill yesterday.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 14, 2012 — Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the state will give $950,000 in additional recovery aid to New York farms affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Mar 09, 2012 — The House Agriculture Committee convenes a hearing this morning on the federal Farm Bill at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake.

The hearing is one of only four scheduled for outside Washington DC so far on the bill. It comes at the invitation of Rep. Bill Owens of Plattsburgh. The public is welcome.

See the live webcast via the link below, and hear more this afternoon on All Before Five.  Go to full article