Agriculture

The New York Farm Bureau this week released its national legislative priorities, targeting legislation it says would help New York’s farmers and rural communities.

For years, a federal program has supplied millions of dollars in guaranteed grants and loans to farmers – helping them tap into renewable energy and improve operations. Since 2014, it’s helped with thousands of projects in New York and New England combined. Now, it’s not clear when that cash might be disbursed again, leaving farmers in the lurch – including one in western Massachusetts still trying to turn the page on a disaster from last year.

For the 10th year, the Adirondack Council will provide micro-grants for projects on working lands within the Adirondack Park.

Representatives across agricultural sectors were in Albany on Wednesday to testify before a state Assembly committee regarding how the 2025 budget addresses current and emerging needs in their industry.

The Big E is in full-swing in West Springfield, Massachusetts as the fair continues. The governor and other officials stopped by for Massachusetts Day Thursday – joining thousands of other visitors for the food and festivities.

Labor Day weekend was chock-full of fairs and festivals across western Massachusetts — including one of the country's oldest returning to Northampton.

The Schaghticoke Fair opened on Wednesday. With roughly 100,000 people expected to pack the grounds over the next six days for food and fun, organizers want attendees to know there’s a lot to learn at the fair. As WAMC reports, the annual tradition is sticking to its rural roots.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll was in Northampton Friday, taking part in a conference focusing on what organizers have dubbed the “farm and sea to school movement.”

Leaders of the New York Farm Bureau have outlined their priorities for the legislative session in Albany.

From the New York Times-bestselling author of "Cod" and "Salt," Mark Kurlansky’s new book, "The Core of an Onion," takes a look at the cultural, historical, and gastronomical layers of one of the world's most beloved culinary staples-featuring original illustrations and recipes from around the world.