Congresswoman Tenney Hosts Farm Bill Roundtable in Finger Lakes Region

Phelps, NY – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today held a Farm Bill roundtable discussion in Phelps, New York, to hear directly from farmers in the Finger Lakes region about their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. This was the third and final roundtable held as part of Congresswoman Tenney’s recently announced Farm Bill Listening Tour. During this listening tour, Tenney has heard from farmers across the 24th District about the challenges they face and their priorities for reform moving forward.

Every five years, Congress passes legislation that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies. This legislation is commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill” and will be considered this year by Congress. As part of the Farm Bill Listening Tour, Tenney hosted three open-door roundtables to hear directly from farmers in the district about their concerns for the agriculture community.

Tenney was joined at the event in Phelps by Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, and Assemblyman Brian Manktelow. Representatives from the office of Senator Pam Helming also participated in the event.

Following today’s roundtable event, Tenney also toured local family-owned Boundary Breaks Winery and a fourth-generation family-owned business Dickman Farms, to learn more about the wine and farming businesses in the Finger Lakes region.

“As we wrap up our first Farm Bill Listening Tour across the 24th District, I am once again inspired by the hardworking farmers and producers across our region who work tirelessly every day despite increasing challenges,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “New York's 24th District is the top agriculture and dairy-producing district in the state, and I could not be more honored to represent the farmers and producers who live and work here. Thank you to all who attended these open-door events and shared their frank and thoughtful testimony. I am eager to bring back what I have heard from farmers to Congress.”

"I appreciate the opportunity to join Congresswoman Tenney to hear directly from regional farmers on their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. It remains critical for Congress, for my colleagues and me at the state level, and for every local leader to understand the challenges facing our farmers and the entire industry, to take the actions needed at every level of government to address these challenges, and, equally important, to steer clear of doing anything that risks the survival of our family farms," said Senator Tom O'Mara (R, C-Big Flats).

“Our farmers produce our food, preserve our land, and protect our natural resources. Providing them with the resources and support they need is essential to our economy, to our health, and to the quality of life in every community in America. As State Senator, I will always fight for our family farms and agribusinesses. Thank you to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for fighting for them in Washington,” said New York State Senator Pam Helming, 54th District.

“I am grateful to participate in Congresswoman Tenney’s panel discussing farming issues in New York State. Agriculture is a billion dollar industry in the state of New York. We should be taking the time to listen very carefully to those our decisions directly affect. This is a prime opportunity to get feedback from the very people we serve at the state and national level,” said Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia).

“I would like to personally thank Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her dedication to agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry around New York state. My district is centered around agricultural work, and I take related legislation very seriously. I applaud Congresswoman Tenney’s efforts and wish her luck on her Farm Bill Listening Tour,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan.

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