Program Spotlight

NYS AG SOCIETY MEETING AND FORUM IN SYRACUSE, NY

The New York State Agricultural Society Forum brought together representatives from all sectors of the agricultural industry to discuss topics that are crucial to the future of New York agriculture. This year’s forum focused on the many disruptive forces shaping the agrifood system and natural resource industry in small and seismic ways, and examined how disruption is creating new opportunities for agricultural industry stakeholders. The forum also recognized and honored the contributions of industry stakeholders in eight award categories.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered the state of agriculture address at the 191st New York State Agricultural Society Annual Forum. Gouverneur Hochul also attended and spoke on initiatives that are planned to provide economic boosts to farmers as stated in her State of the State Address.

March is National Nutrition Month and Maple Month!

Learn how to make tasty foods at home with new flavors and foods from around the world. Find creative ways to use leftovers instead of throwing them away. Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible.

Sugar maple trees can grow up to 50 feet high and is classi ed well-drained soil to grow.

“Food is our common ground. A universalexperience.”

Place foods that could spoil quickly within sight, such as in the front of the refrigerator or on the counter (if they’re not perishable). Wait to wash produce until right before serving.

There’s more to maple than syrup! Other products that can be made from the sap of a Maple Tree include maple kettlecorn, maple ice cream, maple dog biscuits, and maple-filled chocolate drops.

Catskill Mountain Sugar

House maple syrup is available throughout the Mid-Hudson and Catskills at Peck’s Markets, Main Street Farm, Neversink General Store, Soons Orchards, Emmanuel’s Marketplace and Fishkill Farms.

Sources:

“Eat Right and Reduce Food Waste.” eatrightPRO. org - Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021. https://www. eatright.org/-/media/files/campaigns/eatright/ nnm-2023/english/tip-sheets-english/nnm_2023_ eating-right-and-reduce-food-waste.pdf.

“Fuel for the Future: Academy Celebrates 2023 National Nutrition Month.” eatrightPRO.orgAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy of

Did you know that there are approximately 300 di erent natural avor compounds found in pure maple syrup?

“Use by”, “Best by” and “Best Before” dates are found on foods, such as mustard, salad dressing and ketchup. These products usually don’t need to be refrigerated until opened. In many cases, they are safe to eat beyond the date as long as they have been stored properly.

Eat a variety of foods from all food groups whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried.

Nutrition and Dietetics, February 9, 2023. https:// www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/for-media/pressreleases/fuel-for-the-future-academy-celebrates2023-national-nutrition-month.

“Maple Articles.” NYS Maple Producers Association. February 8, 2019. https://nysmaple.com/ about-nys-maple/maple-facts/.

Stabbert, Fred.“Maple Syrup Season off to Great Start.” Sullivan County Democrat. February 25, 2022. https://www.scdemocratonline.com/stories/ maple-syrup-season-off-to-great-start,56527.

“Sugar Maple.” Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District. Accessed 27 Feb. 2023, https://sullivanswcd.org/product/sugar-maple/.

How To Create An Inclusive Workplace

Submitted by Malinda Ware, Program Director & DEI Committee Chair

This article has been updated since the release of Part II in our last issue! For more information, visit the link listed in the source.

Part III: Creating an Environment with Mental Health Awareness

Employers can help turn things around by ensuring that their workplace promotes acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. Not only will these steps improve the mental health of employees, but they will make the organization more productive and profitable as well. When inclusion is prioritized, everyone benefits from it.

The Impact of Language on Inclusivity

Inclusivity goes beyond actions. Language is a very powerful tool that can encourage inclusivity in the workplace. Being sensitive to the language you use can promote inclusion, respect, acceptance, and belonging. Below are a few tips on how to use inclusive language at the workplace and in your everyday life.

• Use neutral language: Instead of using gendered terms or biased words, aim for neutral terms that anyone could relate to.

• Avoid contributing to stigma: Using phrases like “OCD,” “PTSD,” or “depressed” to describe day-to-day challenges or moods can hurt those who live with these very real conditions. Seemingly harmless figures of speech can be non-inclusive and can stigmatize the reality of people who live with these mental health disorders.

• Use person-first terminology: Instead of describing someone as a disabled person, recognize that they are a person with a disability. In this way, you make it clear that you see them as a person first and that their disability does not define them.

• Listen: If someone voices concerns about the language you are using, pause and reflect. It could be a learning opportunity and a chance to make changes.

Even the most wellintentioned people can unknowingly cause harm with the language they use. The goal is not perfection but progress. If you make a mistake, no problem, simply apologize and take it as a learning opportunity. With time, using language that empowers everyone will become easier.

How To Be Inclusive At Work

Here are some examples of inclusive practices in the workplace that you may consider implementing.

• Post inclusion tips in a communal space at the office: Not everyone will be familiar with best practices for an inclusive workplace. You can help them out by offering plenty of resources. Consider posting information around the office or leaving it in the breakroom.

• Use inclusive language: Whether it’s in the monthly newsletter or daily emails, using inclusive language at every opportunity can encourage your employees to do the same.

• Create connection: Creating opportunities for connection among your employees can help foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. You can host mixers and other events that bring everyone together.

• Give options: Some employees like to work remotely, while others need social stimulation. Some want to talk a lot and lead, while others would instead work in the background. When you give your employees a chance to choose, there is a greater chance they will be more productive since they’re in an environment that’s comfortable.

• Ask for feedback: You may think your workplace is great as it is, but your employees may feel differently. You can gather feedback, even secretly, to gauge how everyone feels about the work culture and make adjustments as needed. Inclusion at work is just as important as everywhere else. It should be something to strive for no matter where you are or who you’re with. The more people feel included and accepted, the better world we can create.

Takeaway

Creating an inclusive workplace is possible through implementation of the actionable steps listed above. We can be mindful of our language, and we can take a moment to reflect on ways we can do better. Mindfulness is the first step towards change.

Adapted from:

Wiederhold, Sydney. “How to Create An Inclusive Workplace.” betterhelp. January 17, 2023. https://www.betterhelp. com/advice/inclusive-mental-health/ how-to-create-an-inclusive-workplace/.

A New Program: Stand-Alone SRTS Funding

New program provided more than $1 billion to all states over 7 years

Funding to states for SRTS infrastructure & non-infrastructure grants to local schools and communities

Each state Department of Transportation had state-level SRTS coordinator

Combined Funding for SRTS, Walking, and Biking

Infrastructure Projects: Projects improving streets and routes, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, lane narrowing, crosswalks, and other intersection improvements

Non-Infrastructure Projects: Education, encouragement, and enforcement programs to support safe walking and kids safe walking skills, improving driver behaviors, and activities to get more kids and families walking

Eliminated stand-alone federal funding stream for SRTS

30% less funding

Combined federal SRTS program and other bicycling and walking programs into Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

Overall 30% reduction in federal funding for SRTS, walking, and bicycling

Continuation of Combined Funding for SRTS, Walking, and Biking

The funding is still known as the Transportation changed to “Surface Transportation Program Setaside”

The FAST Act retained most of MAP-21’s TAP features, with a few changes, such as making increasing the total amount of TAP funding per year

Key features of current TAP funding:

•Funding can be used for walking, biking, and SRTS

•

• were separate programs

• bodies (metropolitan planning organizations), with local governments, school

•State or funding recipient must provide a match of up to 20% of federal funds

•Funding can be used for Safe Routes to School infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, including state and local Safe Routes to School coordinators

•