New York Lawmakers Propose Limits on Large Dairy Farm Permits

New York lawmakers Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Jabari Brisport have proposed legislation to limit the expansion of large dairy farms, also known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), by preventing new permits or expansions for farms with more than 700 cows. The bill aims to address environmental concerns such as manure pollution leading to harmful algal blooms and methane emissions, and to protect smaller family farms from being outcompeted by large industrial players. However, the legislation faces significant opposition from upstate farmers and lawmakers, including Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski and groups like the New York Farm Bureau and Upstate United, who argue that the bill would harm the economic viability of family-owned farms and the dairy industry, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. Critics contend that the bill is driven by lawmakers unfamiliar with dairy farming realities and could devastate farms that supply milk to major processors. Supporters emphasize the environmental justice aspect, noting that large CAFOs disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The debate highlights the tension between environmental regulation and agricultural economic interests in New York State.