In a move to protect the environment and preserve small, family-owned dairy farms, two state lawmakers from New York City are advocating for a ban on the expansion of dairy farms beyond 700 cows. Last week, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, and Sen. Jabari Brisport, D-Brooklyn, introduced a bill targeting the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s ability to issue new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permits for large-scale dairies. This regulation would mean that any operation with more than 700 cows in the state would be affected since a CAFO permit is already mandatory for dairies with over 300 cows. Rosenthal and Brisport, supported by advocates from New York City, argue that the regulation is necessary to prevent new “factory farms” from proliferating. They claim these large operations, often characterized by poor environmental practices, have negative impacts on marginalized communities through pollution, waterway contamination and economic exploitation. “These factory farms wreak havoc on the environment,” said Brisport, emphasizing that large-scale companies extract resources from local communities without providing proportional economic benefits. Rosenthal further elaborated that the concentration of thousands of animals in confined spaces not only raises animal welfare concerns but also contributes significantly to environmental degradation. The lawmakers argue that these issues are exacerbated by billion-dollar companies running what they perceive as factory farms. However, this perspective is challenged by farmers, agriculture experts and dairy advocates who claim the proposed legislation would severely impact New York’s dairy industry. They say the measure would stifle both new and existing farms, preventing them from expanding beyond what they consider a relatively small number of cattle. “Farm families have prided themselves for generations on a commitment to stewardship practices by caring for our animals, environment, and natural resources,” said Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA) vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs. She added that dairy farms in New York with more than 300 cows must comply with an Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) permit. “New York’s ECL permit is more restrictive than federal regulations, with a strong focus on best management practices and nutrient management plans developed by certified professionals that are updated annually,” Jones-Brimmer said. “NEDPA farmers have maintained a leadership role working with our state agencies since the inception of NY’s CAFO permit, ensuring farmers remain leaders in protecting our natural resources. In New York, 95% of farms are family-owned. Our family dairy farms and dairy manufacturers are economic drivers, vital to our state’s food security, and are an essential part of the fabric of our rural communities.” New York dairy farmer Nate Chittenden from Schodack Landing highlights the state’s rich agricultural history and its continued status as a top dairy producer. “Dairy farms of all sizes and styles remain an important driver of economic activity in our rural communities,” Chittenden explained, emphasizing the delicate balance between caring for the land, their cows and the community. He said no farm could survive in the modern world without being good stewards of the environment, underlining how this commitment is intertwined with humane animal and workforce care. Despite the crucial role of agriculture, there’s a significant portion of the population who are distanced from farm life. Recognizing this, the dairy industry initiated the FARM program over a decade ago. This program provides guidelines for farmers to address and dispel misconceptions — particularly those regarding the supposed conflict between large and small farms or negative environmental impacts. Chittenden, who grew up on his parents’ small 55-cow dairy farm, shared personal insights on the necessity of growth. As the family expanded, so did the farm, which now supports more than 20 households and milks more than 1,000 cows. Growing the farm was a logical step to ensure the business could sustain multiple livelihoods beyond his own family. Chittenden’s farm frequently opens its doors to students and state representatives, offering a transparent look into farm operations. This transparency is key to bridging rural and urban divides, as honest conversations foster mutual understanding and support. The Brisport-Rosenthal bill brings to light critical discussions surrounding sustainability, community well-being and the merits of small versus large-scale farming operations. While the environmental intentions behind the bill are clear, the potential economic repercussions for family-owned dairy farms must also be considered. With companies like Chobani, Fairlife, Great Lakes Cheese, and Agrimark investing in New York state’s dairy infrastructure, opportunities are expanding. These investments bring not only jobs and economic opportunities but also fortify the backbone of small family farms. However, Chittenden warns that restrictive laws on farm sizes could hinder current and future investments, impacting New York’s economic fabric. Understanding the balance between environmental protection and economic growth will be key as this bill moves forward. The debate continues, prompting stakeholders to consider: How can New York best support sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring the viability of its dairy industry? As this conversation unfolds, it remains essential that both environmental and agricultural voices are heard and respected. 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