Fall 2019 Financial Partner

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FarmCreditEast.com

FROM FIELD TO

BOARDROOM THE VALUE LEADERSHIP BRINGS TO YOUR BUSINESS AND THE INDUSTRY

FALL 2019

INSIDE

2 | News & Views

9 | Director Election Process

16 | Photo Calendar Contest

3 | CEO Column

10 | Tax Planning

17 | FarmStart 300th Investment

4 | Cover Story

12 | Urban Ag

18 | Public Policy Update

N EW &V IEW S S

FarmCreditEast.com

Farm Credit East’s Customer Assistance Program FFA Student Scholarship As part of Farm Credit East’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products industry leaders, we offer a scholarship for students involved in The National FFA Organization to support their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) or educational opportunities within the agriculture, commercial fishing or forest products industries.

Qualified students should have a strong SAE and understand their project’s impact on their future career in an agriculturally related field. This scholarship is awarded semi-annually, with four $500 scholarships awarded each cycle.

As a customer-owned cooperative, Farm Credit East is committed to providing the services and resources that our members need. That is why we offer a customer assistance program at no cost to you. Farm Credit East customers, employees and family members may access the services of ESI Group by calling 800-252-4555.

This service, the same that is available to Farm Credit East employees, has a wide range of HR, legal, financial and personal wellness resources available. To use this complimentary and confidential service, just indicate that you are a Farm Credit East customer.

Learn more: FarmCreditEast.com/CAP

Careers with Impact If you’re looking for more than a job – something you can truly commit to, believe in and feel good about – Farm Credit East is the career choice for you. When you join Farm Credit East, you have the opportunity to provide impactful financial, business and risk management solutions to farmers, foresters, fishermen, agricultural business owners and rural property owners across the northeast. Both full-time and internship opportunities available. We’d love to get the conversation started.

Learn more: FarmCreditEast.com/Careers

Apply: FarmCreditEast.com/FFA Deadline: December 31, 2019

Winter Webinars This winter, Farm Credit East will offer a series of free informational webinars on various topics to help producers plan for the year ahead.

Finance Basics and Access to Credit for Beginning Farmers December 18, 2019 Dairy Economic Outlook January 15, 2020 2020 U.S. Economic Outlook March 18, 2020 Visit FarmCreditEast.com/webinars for more information or to register to attend one of these information sessions.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

THANK YOU

CEO’s MESSAGE

Bill Lipinski, CEO, Farm Credit East

As I step down as Farm Credit East CEO on December 31, this column is bittersweet. It has been an honor to lead our cooperative in serving the hardworking farmers, commercial fishermen and forest products producers across the region for the past 25 years. So in my final column I’d like to reflect and say thank you to everyone who made it possible and helped me along the way.

First, I’d like to thank the employees

century, and because of that, Farm

with entrepreneurs who are new to

I have had the privilege of working with

Credit East has had to adapt as well. I

agriculture. They bring a unique

throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate

continue to be amazed and inspired by

energy to carry existing businesses

to surround myself with a talented and

the resilience and innovative spirit of

forward or embark on new ventures

dedicated team who followed my lead,

our members, and I’m pleased to have

that take advantage of the Northeast’s

but also helped guide me. One of the

led an organization that shares those

dynamic marketplace.

most rewarding aspects of being a leader

same characteristics.

is seeing the people you hired develop and become leaders themselves. I know the cooperative is in good hands with the team that is in place going forward.

Having such a high performing team wouldn’t be possible without the support of the board of directors. From the board that chose me to lead this organization in 1994 as well as those that have allowed me to continue leading it since, I am grateful for the opportunity and for your commitment to providing all of us the resources we need to be successful.

Finally, and most of all, I want to

I hope many of you had the chance

“

to meet incoming CEO Mike Reynolds at the fall customer appreciation meetings.

I know the cooperative is in good hands with the team that is in place going forward.

”

Northeast agricultural industries

In his nearly 30 years of service at Farm Credit East, Mike has distinguished himself as a strategic thinker and talented leader. The board and I are confident he will do an outstanding job leading the Farm Credit East team, and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know him in the years to come.

I deeply appreciate all the good wishes I have received these last few months. Many of you have asked what’s next for me. Other than spending more

thank Farm Credit East’s customers. I am

have certainly faced challenges, but I

time with my wife Alicia and our four

thankful for your confidence in allowing

remain optimistic, precisely because of

children and seven grandchildren,

Farm Credit East to be your capital and

what I’ve observed over these last 25

my current focus is assisting Mike in

financial services provider of choice.

years. Producers have found ways to

transitioning to his new role. I also hope

Our cooperative would not be as strong

adapt through technology, production

I’ll have more opportunity to reconnect

as it is today without your continued

practices, marketing approaches,

with the many friends I’ve made during

partnership. It has been gratifying to

diversification, or some combination of

my Farm Credit career, and find some

work with generations of families to

those strategies. That ability to adapt and

other ways to contribute to the success

achieve their business goals.

grow, and at times endure, is what gives

of Northeast agriculture as I’ve had the

me confidence for the future.

privilege of doing these last 25 years.

Northeast agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing have undergone many changes over this last quarter

I also see a talented next generation returning to farm businesses along FALL 2019

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FROM FIELD TO

BOARDROOM THE VALUE LEADERSHIP BRINGS TO YOUR BUSINESS AND THE INDUSTRY

Balancing leadership roles with the daily grind of managing your business is no small feat. It takes organization, delegation and a strong support team back home. But the skills, insight and connections gained from taking on leadership roles can be invaluable to both you and your business, while at the same time providing important service to the industry.

We recently interviewed five industry leaders who have served in leadership roles throughout their careers and, in the process, also developed their business acumen and strengthened their businesses.

Learn how they balanced managing their businesses with time away from their operations to serve on industry boards, committees and in other leadership positions, along with the insights they gleaned from those experiences to benefit their operations as well as the organizations they served.

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

PASSION TO LEAD “I swore I’d never get involved, but I haven’t regretted it for a moment since!” joked Ed Overdevest, a southern New Jersey nurseryman who has held leadership positions in numerous organizations such as his local economic development committee and planning board, the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture and the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association.

So why did Ed and the others we spoke with make that commitment? As Ed went on to explain, “I always thought that I had an obligation to give back to the community and to the industry. And in the course of giving back, I gained even more in return.”

Maureen Torrey Marshall, a western New York vegetable, dairy and grain farmer has served in various capacities, including town council, a local college board of trustees, New York Federal Reserve Board, USDA Fruit and Vegetable Committee, Chair of United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, and as a current director of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. She emphasized the importance of getting involved to educate those who are not involved in the industry.

“Agricultural producers are less than one percent of the population today, and with so many generations removed from the farm, we need to educate people on our industry and why we do the things that we do,” she commented. “No one can tell our story as well as we can tell it ourselves — and bring passion to it. I get excited when I help shape a more positive or better understanding of the industry.”

This type of advocacy is important for any industry, but especially agriculture. “Otherwise, when it comes to other interests beyond agriculture, if we’re not at the table, we’re going to get overlooked and overrun, and that certainly doesn’t serve our industry well,” added Ed. Organizations provide the industry with a collective voice. It’s not just one person or one operation advocating for something — it’s an entire industry.

That holds a lot more power.

“It’s our industry, so it’s our responsibility to work together to make things better,” said Lorraine Merrill, a New Hampshire dairy farmer who has been involved since her 4-H years. In fact, she commented that she’s carried the 4-H motto, “To make the best better,” with her throughout her career. Over the years, Lorraine has served in a variety of positions including the University of New Hampshire’s Dean’s Advisory Council, the New Hampshire University System Board of Trustees, USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, FSA state committee chair, and most recently as the New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture.

Matt Beaton, a fifth-generation cranberry grower from southeastern Massachusetts who has been involved for the past 31 years, including on the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association Board, as Farm Credit East Board Chair and was most recently elected to the Ocean Spray Board of Directors, expressed a similar sentiment. “I was raised that instead of complaining about something, do something about it,” he said. “Not that I had many complaints, but farming is our identity. I’m a farmer as much as I’m a husband and a father, and I don’t want to be that last generation.

“We have skin in the game,” Matt continued. “It’s important to participate, contribute and lead to represent your community, yourself and your own farm to make sure that you’re leaving the industry in a good place for that next generation.”

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A BALANCING ACT Taking time away from your operation is easier said than done. Agriculture is a living and breathing operation — the cows still have to be milked and the crops cared for and harvested — so day-to-day tasks can’t be put on hold for a few days, or even just a few hours.

“You just have to work harder and get it done!” joked David Fisher, a northern New York dairy farmer who has been involved in a variety of roles from town council and local Farm Bureau to the Northeast Dairy Producers Association and is now New York Farm Bureau president. He went on to explain that the biggest part of volunteering his time has been the support of his family and business partners, and also balancing his involvement with each stage of his life — timing is everything.

“I did a lot when I was younger,” he said.

“Then when we started having children, I cut back from activities that required travel and became more involved in local things like the town board and soil and water council. Now that my children are older, I’ve gotten more involved with things like Farm Bureau at the state level.”

Maureen agreed. “It’s important to balance involvement with your family before the business,” she said. “I jokingly tell people that leadership is my hobby, so my involvement has fueled my passion and helped me build a fantastic network. But, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my family understanding and supporting these pursuits.”

When Matt first got involved, he had three toddlers at home, so balancing managing his business with family and time away was challenging. He took the route of investing in the training of key employees and empowering them to make decisions when he’s away. “Quite frankly, my business probably runs a little better when I’m not there because everyone really steps up,” he remarked. “Training and communication are key pieces to make it work.”

However, that delegation doesn’t always come easy. David noted that one of his 6

FINANCIAL PARTNER

biggest learning curves has been delegating

that time away to get exposed to those off-

enough to make sure things go as planned

farm organizations and activities can also

when he’s away. Having confidence in

contribute to fresh thinking and new ideas

employees’ skills is equally important to

that you can then bring back to

successful delegation.

the operation.

“Technology also helps to bridge that

“It’s a decision-making process,” she

gap so that I can stay in touch when I’m

continued. “You can’t do everything, so

removed from the area,” added Ed. Travel is

you need to prioritize what you want to

no longer as difficult as it was 10-to-15 years

be involved in and make sure the timing is

ago because you can now have your tools

right, both personally and professionally.”

at the tip of your fingers, regardless of your physical location.

“But it’s still a challenge, especially

THE RETURN ON INVOLVEMENT While getting involved may take your

in today’s farm economy with limited

attention away from your business for a

workforce and tight margins,” noted

time, those we interviewed could not stress

Lorraine. “The conundrum is that taking

enough that it also benefits your business,

Being a part of those discussions helps you learn strategies to overcome conflict and possibly learn a new way of doing something, which may ultimately help the business or the community.”

Another potential benefit is exposure to different industries. “I went into this with a focused view on cranberries. Opening my eyes to how other industries operate has been one of the most beneficial gains for me,” said Matt.

“It’s also allowed me to take more risks,” he continued. “It’s easy to get bogged down in one year, but understanding how others operate, their successes and failures, has allowed me to be comfortable betting on my ability to farm over time, not just in one year that weather or labor may be a particular challenge.”

Lorraine stressed that getting involved helped her better understand how different organizations operate. For example, her involvement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped take the mystery out of the government entity. It also helped her build connections. “It’s helpful to have that basic understanding of how different organizations work and know some of the people involved so that you can help bring them together in a positive way. My partners have also all been involved in offfarm activities, and that exposure has been invaluable for our farm business,” she said.

Just as much as producers benefit from the connections they make, agencies and and also your professional development and management skills over the long term.

Collaboration is one of those benefits.

Skills for managing employees can also be gleaned. “I quickly learned how important organizational culture is to long-

“A lot of us started out as smaller companies

term success,” said Matt. “This led me to

and, while growing those companies, were

work more closely with my employees one-

more focused on our individual business

on-one because everyone has a different

activity,” said Ed.

viewpoint. Every business’s discipline is

“But getting out and serving in a

challenged at some point, so by building

variety of roles, working with other people

relationships and understanding people and

and hearing their different viewpoints,

their point-of-view, you can build better

then merging those together to develop

consensus to strategically move forward.”

consensus — those are key collaborative

David seconded that mindset. “If you’re

experiences that have given me a much

going to get involved, you need to enjoy

broader business perspective which, in

challenges — and some of those challenges

turn, has led to a number of strategic

may seem insurmountable, but there are

business opportunities,” Ed continued.

various ways to work through things.

government entities equally benefit from producer involvement. It’s a two-way street — organizations need producers’ input and leadership as much as producers need organizations to advocate on their behalf or set effective policies and regulations.

There’s also the networking aspect. “By attending various meetings and events, you learn about things coming down the pike that you might not be fully aware of yet but that are going to affect your business. With this insight, you can better prepare your business to manage it,” said Lorraine.

And, you’re always learning! Whether it is collaboration or negotiation skills, or learning a new way of thinking or doing FALL 2019

7

things, involvement makes you a life-long learner and that will

“And when you decide you want to be involved or are

ultimately benefit yourself and your business in the long run.

considering running for an office, you can’t be afraid to lose,

Sometimes, too, it’s just reinforcement that you’re doing

because you might, but at least you put yourself out there. To make

things right. “It’s an opportunity to network with other peers

a difference, you at least have to try,” David added.

who might be doing the same thing in other industries. To

Maureen advised to start small. “Find something that drives

hear that it’s working lets you know you’re on the right track,”

your passion and that you want to learn more about, and don’t be

commented Maureen.

afraid to voice your opinion or suggestion,” she said.

THERE’S NO TIME BETTER THAN THE PRESENT

someone invites you to participate on a committee, you should

“Be open to new experiences,” Lorraine encouraged. “If “I often hear from people that they don’t have anything

seriously consider saying yes, even if you feel like you’re not

to contribute, but anyone who is involved in agriculture has

prepared or don’t have enough experience to contribute. You will

something to contribute, so jump in!” said Maureen. “Nobody

gain confidence as you gain experience.

knows our industry like a working farmer and the knowledge and education that we can share is invaluable.”

“The people in the agricultural community are some of the best people to work with and work for, and it’s been a privilege to be able

Matt agreed. “Don’t hesitate. It’s probably one of the most

to do that,” she continued. “It’s important for young people to get

enriching things I’ve done, personally. It’s made my network of

involved because the decisions being made today will impact the

knowledge that much greater and I’ve developed relationships

future of the industry. Get involved to have a say in your future.”

that will last a lifetime. If I don’t have the answer to something, I

And at the end of the day, it’ll all get done. “I can vouch for

now have so many avenues to put myself in touch with the right

that!” Matt affirmed. “Somebody did it for you and you have to do

person to find those answers. It’s brought so much back to my

it for somebody else. That’s just how agriculture works. You have

own business, and while that’s not why I got involved, it’s one

to set things up for that next generation. Agriculture is a selfless

of the benefits.”

industry, and you’ll be surprised by how much you bring back to

“You have to get involved if you want to make a difference,”

your operation when you do participate.”

said David. “It’s easy to keep your head down and just look at

Ed summed up, “It’s going to benefit others, benefit the industry

what’s going on in the day-to-day on your farm, but so many things

and benefit yourself, so jump in!”

go on beyond our fence rows that affect us. We have to have

MEET OUR

LEADERS

spokespeople and be involved.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

ED OVERDEVEST Overdevest Nurseries, LP Bridgeton, NJ

MATT BEATON Sure-Cran Services, Inc. Wareham, Mass.

DAVID FISHER Mapleview Dairy, LLC Madrid, NY

LORRAINE MERRILL Stuart Farm LLC Stratham, NH

MAUREEN TORREY MARSHALL Torrey Farms Inc. Elba, NY

FARM CREDIT EAST

DIRECTOR ELECTION PROCESS As a customer-owned cooperative, Farm Credit East is governed by the same farmers, commercial fishermen and forest products producers that we serve. This means that all voting stockholders receive a ballot to vote for each open seat on our Board of Directors. Additionally, each of those candidates were surfaced, interviewed and selected by our customers — your peers. This group of customers is known as the Farm Credit East Nominating Committee.

Council meets to identify and recommend potential director candidates to the association Nominating Committee. As part of this process, Customer Service Councils also recommend the slate for the following year’s Nominating Committee (both members and alternates), which is then approved by all members present at the association’s Annual Meeting.

While Farm Credit East holds its director elections each spring, this annual process actually begins in the fall with Farm Credit East Customer Service Councils. In conjunction with our customer appreciation meetings, each office’s Customer Service

INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE OR BEING CONSIDERED AS A CANDIDATE IN THE 2020 DIRECTOR ELECTIONS? Any customer who owns voting stock is welcome to nominate themselves to be considered for a position on Farm Credit East’s Nominating Committee. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the 2021 Nominating Committee or have an interest in becoming a candidate in the 2020 election, contact your Customer Service Council representative, your local branch manager or visit FarmCreditEast.com/Elections to learn more.

DIRECTOR SEATS UP FOR ELECTION IN 2020: Eastern Region: One, 4-year seat Central Region: One, 4-year seat Western Region: One, 4-year seat

FALL 2019

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PLANNING FOR THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF EVERY BUSINESS DECISION

Nicholas Norton Farm Credit East Tax Specialist Ethan Robertson Farm Credit East Business Consultant

In agriculture, there are a variety of tax laws, deductions and requirements unique to the industry. As a result, when it comes to filing their annual tax return, too often producers face an unexpected tax bill that could have been alleviated — or at least anticipated — had appropriate planning taken place. Whether purchasing a new piece of property, transferring the business to the next generation or changing another aspect of the operation, the tax consequences for every major business decision should be considered.

Tax professionals can help businesses get a handle on their tax liability via tax planning, which consists of two components. First, a tax projection provides the projected tax impact for the current year based on the expected financial outcome. The second component identifies and analyzes opportunities. This allows the producer to consider “What if?” scenarios to make proactive decisions that lessen their overall tax burden. This piece is crucial during unusual events such as purchasing the farm next door, leasing a new piece of property or selling livestock. For thorough tax planning, it’s important to look not only at the immediate tax impact of a decision, but also the impact it will have long term. This insight can help producers evaluate major decisions and potentially change their course of action to earn the greatest overall tax benefit.

If it’s a business-as-usual year, tax planning is just as important. We often find that producers expecting a loss don’t tax plan because they associate losses with lack of taxes.

However, there are many complicating factors for businesses with losses, which could yield an unexpected result. A best practice is to continue to tax plan to manage a loss in the most tax effective manner possible.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

You should also keep your checkbook in mind. For capital intensive businesses, a low checkbook balance does not always mean low earnings. For example, taxpayers will rarely get a tax deduction when purchasing land.

Therefore, it’s possible for a business to part with large sums of money and still be liable for taxes! In such cases, tax planning can help mitigate taxes and aid in planning for enough capital to meet all obligations.

At times, it may be beneficial to enlist the advice of a consultant with an outside perspective. A consultant can work with business managers to consider budgets and projections and give thoughtful advice on whether an intended course of action is in the

TALKS

business’s best interest.

Finally, when it comes to a producer’s exit strategy — whether it’s helping prepare a business for its next generation, passing a farm on to new owners or exiting the industry entirely — both tax planning and consulting

LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL TAX TIPS?

are important. This is one of the benefits of working with Farm Credit East. Our wide network of ag-focused tax and business consultants work together to provide expertise and experience to help producers draft the most beneficial and affordable transition plan for all parties involved.

Regardless of the situation, we can’t stress enough the importance of timing.

Communicating with your professionals

Visit the “Tax Talks” section of Farm Credit East’s Today’s Harvest blog. Each month, one of our experienced tax specialists releases an article on relevant and timely tax topics. These insightful articles can provide helpful information as producers navigate tax laws and consider their business plans. Recent articles include:

before decisions are made can make all the difference. Additionally, there are a number of tools built into the tax code dependent on timing, and choosing to execute now versus in the future, or vice-versa, can have significant tax consequences. Our advice: As soon as you have an idea for your business, from a routine equipment purchase to a longer-term business transition, it is best to call your tax adviser or consultant for advice.

For more information on Farm Credit East’s tax and business consulting services, visit FarmCreditEast.com.

» Do Deathbed Gifts Really Work? » Bonus Depreciation Relief » SECURE Act: Major estate planning changes may be on the horizon » Final Regulations on Itemized Deductions » 199A: The New DPAD, Qualified Business Income and Farm Rental Agreements » Tax Planning Opportunities under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Learn more at FarmCreditEast.com/TaxTalks

FALL 2019

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Tom Cosgrove, Farm Credit East, visits with REC Executive Director Steve Fischer and REC Development Director Ajayi Harris in Worcester, Mass.

CONNECTING URBAN & THE MANY FACETS OF URBAN AGRICULTURE One of the unique aspects of Farm Credit East’s territory is the prevalence of cities throughout the region. While parts of the Northeast are as rural as anywhere in the country, most Northeast farms, forest product and fishing businesses are within a few hours of a major population center. According to the Census Bureau, the Northeast is home to 71 cities each having more than 50,000 residents.

This geographic reality presents both challenges and opportunities for Northeast producers. Proximity to urban

Provides urban residents with access to fresh, local food

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and suburban areas causes challenges like the high cost and lack of available land, but also provides easy access to fresh farm and fishing products for millions of consumers.

Cities and their populations have traditionally been, and still are, important markets for Northeast producers. That is why Farm Credit East supports various organizations working to provide unique opportunities to both residents and producers at the intersection of agriculture and the urban Northeast.

Agriculture serves as the catalyst and, in some cases, the classroom for a number of Northeast programs that teach youth

Preserves open space in urban centers

RURAL COMMUNITIES about food production, nutrition and leadership development.

acre, but in addition to food production, they add to the quality

These programs can open the door to a diverse group of young

of life by providing open space, in some cases having reclaimed

people who might not have otherwise had an opportunity to

abandoned lots. Urban farms are also an educational tool,

learn about agriculture.

teaching consumers of all ages who may be many generations

Other programs focus on food access, and that runs in both directions — from providing urban residents access to fresh and

removed from the farm, about how their food is produced.

One example of an urban agriculture program working to

nutritious food, while also providing an avenue for Northeast

connect rural and urban communities, while also developing the

farmers and fishermen to serve urban customers.

next generation, is the Regional Environmental Council (REC).

Some programs are even developing methods to produce food right in the city. Many of these urban farms are less than an

Cultivates direct marketing channels

Farm Credit recently supported this program with grants for its YouthGROW program and its farmers’ markets.

Offers educational and leadership development opportunities

Develops urban agricultural production

FALL 2019

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“

Urban agriculture programs enjoy strong support from policymakers as they serve an important role in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.

The REC’s YouthGROW program is a year-round youth

”

leadership development and employment program built around

urban agriculture for at-risk teens in Worcester, Mass. In addition to education programming, REC operates farmers’ markets and mobile markets around the city.

“The Regional Environmental Council is a transformative institution in Worcester,” said Congressman Jim McGovern.

“By fighting for access to fresh, affordable food and creating opportunities for problem solving and youth leadership, they are playing a key role in building a healthier city, while also providing an important marketing channel for local farmers.”

Some other programs that Farm Credit East has supported either directly or through the Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement program include: COMMON GROUND – New Haven, Conn.

With an environmental education center, a charter high school and an urban farm, Common Ground offers an internship program for city youth to explore farming as a career.

THE FOOD PROJECT – Lincoln, Mass.

Operating three farms in the Boston area, the Food Project employs a diverse group of young people who grow food, learn about the food system and develop leadership skills.

GREEN VILLAGE INITIATIVE – Bridgeport, Conn.

At its 12 community gardens and the Reservoir Community Farm, this initiative hosts a range of educational, skill building and leadership development programs for members of the community and school children.

GROWNYC – New York City’s Five Boroughs One of the pioneers in providing New York City residents access to local food through its Greenmarkets, GrowNYC also provides other services like recycling, beginning farmer training and nutrition education.

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Additionally, GrowNYC has a wholesale division and is in the process of developing a wholesale farmers’ market/ food hub in the Bronx.

KNOX, INC. – Hartford, Conn.

This urban incubator farm program provides low-income beginning farmers land and training to help them launch their own farming businesses.

NEW JERSEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY – Statewide Since 2002, the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Learning Through Gardening program has helped create school gardens, many in urban areas, that function as outdoor classrooms to help reach more than 15,000 New Jersey students each year.

ORGANIZATION FOR REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SUCCESS (ORIS) – Concord & Manchester, NH Among its programs to help resettlement of immigrants and refugees, ORIS has both a mobile market program and a farmer training program.

Incorporated in 2007 by Susan Pronovost, Brass City Harvest is an urban agriculture program working to provide

eight to nine thousand pounds of food is moved through these channels each week.

To further enhance food access, Brass

fresh, healthy food to underserved

City Harvest also hosts a couple of hundred

populations in the city of Waterbury, Conn.,

healthy cooking demonstrations per

with the end goal of getting people to eat

year. These programs target low-income

healthier. A program that began a little over

populations, seniors and elementary

a decade ago with just 12 garden beds has

school children. Earlier this year, the

grown to include about two dozen different

Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement

farms, orchards and dairies, that provide

program provided grant funding to extend

developing the business plan for this new

more than 100,000 pounds of food to food

the reach of this nutrition program into

venture, Brass City Harvest worked closely

deserts and low-income communities

more communities.

with a Farm Credit East consultant.

each year.

As the aggregator of thousands of

“Capacity is always a challenge in

Brass City Harvest employees Shawn Joseph and Pauline Zembruszki provide fresh produce during a weekly market at Waterbury Hospital.

“The food hub’s goal is to develop value-

the non-profit world,” commented Susan

added products utilizing farm food, thereby

pounds of food, Brass City Harvest has

Pronovost, Brass City Harvest founder.

creating pathways for Connecticut farms to

developed strong relationships with its

“And when you’re trying to reach food

extend their produce into school systems

partner farms, and those relationships have

desert areas that are not covered by large

and institutions,” said Susan. She also noted

proven to be a win-win. The products from

grants, finding that extra money, which

that the facility will meet FDA’s Food Safety

these farms provide fresh, nutritional food

in our case would enable our nutritionist

Modernization Act (FSMA) standards

access and Brass City’s wholesale purchases

to complete the necessary outreach in

and enable enhanced food traceability

are a guaranteed revenue stream for its

cohort with markets, is very difficult. The

and accountability.

Connecticut farm partners.

AgEnhancement grant filled those gaps.”

To then deliver this fresh food to

To add one more channel to the mix,

“This advanced technology will enable area farmers to compete in a larger

communities in need, the program has

Brass City Harvest is in the process of

commercial market and we’re excited

established a variety of avenues, including

finalizing the development of its food hub,

to open the doors of this new facility

150 mobile markets per year. On average,

which is planned to open by year end. In

to further support local farmers and underserved communities,” she added.

Susan also noted that she’d be remiss not to mention Brass City Harvest’s synergetic partners. “We’ve developed great partnerships with the City of Waterbury, the state of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and without these key players, our field of dreams would be mud,” she said. “I can’t express my gratitude enough to the partners that have made this organization successful.”

FALL 2019

15

FARM CREDIT EAST’S

ANNUAL PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST Thank you to all who participated in our 2020 Agricultural Views photo calendar contest. We were pleased to receive more than 850 entries this year, representing the beautiful views of the region’s diverse agricultural industries and rural landscapes.

We’d like to extend our congratulations to the talented photographers whose photos were chosen to fill Farm Credit East’s 2020 Agricultural Views calendar.

Each winning photo uniquely portrays a love for the Northeast’s agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing industries and the region’s rural communities.

We are pleased that your picturesque images will be displayed in homes and offices across the Northeast in the coming year.

The Agricultural Views calendar has been a tradition at Farm Credit East for many years.

We are impressed each year with the creativity of talented photographers from across the Northeast and know that many of you look forward to receiving your annual calendar. For a copy of the 2020 Agricultural Views calendar, please contact your local Farm Credit East branch office.

With 2020’s calendar complete, we’re already beginning to think about the 2021 calendar! We encourage you to submit your photos from the fields, docks or forests as they’re captured. Whether it be a snowy winter scene or a freshly plowed field ready for planting, machinery during harvest or livestock in its element, submit your photos for a chance to be featured in the 2021 calendar and win a cash prize. We look forward to seeing your submissions.

FARMCREDITEAST.COM/CALENDAR D E A D L I N E : J U LY 3 1 , 2 0 2 0 16

FINANCIAL PARTNER

Jorge Marzuca, owner of Whitemarz Farm in Lunenburg, Mass., pictured with his FarmStart Advisor Samantha Stoddard. Jorge utilized his FarmStart investment to purchase a plastic mulch layer and equipment to assist with weeding so that he has more time to focus on other aspects of his business.

FarmStart Invests in 300 th Beginning Farmer Business Whitemarz Farm

Jorge Marzuca has been involved in

Stoddard commented, “Working with Jorge has

agriculture since he was a child on his father’s

been a great experience. He is very focused

broccoli farm in Mexico. He attended high school

on his business plan and eager to expand

in the greater Boston area and then returned

his operation.”

to Mexico. Recently, Jorge moved to the U.S. to

Since obtaining a FarmStart investment,

begin his own vegetable operation, Whitemarz

Jorge has been able to purchase a plastic

Farm, in Lunenburg, Mass.

mulch layer and equipment for his tractor to

“We grow over 40 different vegetable varieties

assist with weeding. “We used to spend too

that we sell at multiple farmers’ markets,” said

much time weeding,” said Jorge. With his new

Jorge. Whitemarz Farm also offers a Community

equipment, he now has more time to focus on

Supported Agriculture program, or CSA, for

other important aspects of his business, such as

members of the community to purchase part

marketing and harvest.

of the harvest in advance of the growing

Sam is hopeful for the future of Jorge’s

season. Currently, the farm’s CSA has about

business. “With FarmStart support, Jorge hopes

40 participants.

to improve the irrigation to more consistently

“We are a family operated farm, and my wife

grow his crops, as well as utilizing his new

and I are the only full-time workers,” said Jorge.

mulch layer to improve efficiency at the farm,”

They were in need of a loan, but struggled to

she said.

obtain financing through traditional lines of credit because of their lack of production history.

When Jorge moved to Massachusetts

FarmStart, LLP is a joint initiative of Farm Credit East, Yankee Farm Credit and CoBank to fulfill Farm Credit’s long-term commitment to

three years ago, he enrolled in the New Entry

support a vibrant, entrepreneurial Northeast

Sustainable Farming Project, an initiative of

agricultural community. The program invests

Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition

working capital of up to $75,000 to help

Science and Policy. “The program had a course

beginning Northeast farm, forest products and

about obtaining financing, and one of the first

commercial fishing businesses and cooperatives

programs mentioned was FarmStart,” said Jorge.

become operational. Since the first investment

“It was very easy to apply and a fast process to

approved in August 2006, FarmStart has invested

get financing.”

more than $14 million with over 300 agricultural,

In addition to the investment, a FarmStart advisor works with each participant to help the new business stay on track toward achieving its objectives. Jorge’s FarmStart adviser Sam

timber and fishing entrepreneurs throughout the Northeast.

For more information on FarmStart, please visit FarmCreditEast.com/FarmStart.

FALL 2018

17

WASHINGTON Update Tom Cosgrove Senior Vice President for Public Affairs

Beyond the Headlines There’s been no shortage of political

Senate. It will take time to complete work

headlines this fall — many of them written

on government funding for the current

in a large, bold font.

fiscal year. As a result, one or more short-

activity related to agricultural labor

term spending bills will be required in the

this Congress, however, a bipartisan

interim.

agricultural labor bill was introduced in

With a Presidential election on the horizon in 2020, a healthy contingent of Democrats are still vying for their party’s nomination while the House of Representatives has started impeachment

There had been little legislative

late October called the Farm Workforce TRADE The U.S.-China trade dispute has

Modernization Act. The result of several months of negotiations involving

proceedings against the President.

been garnering headlines, but another

members of Congress, agricultural

Coverage related to these two stories,

important trade issue is the pending

employers and farmworker groups, the

along with foreign policy developments

approval of USMCA. Agreed to in late 2018,

bill addresses three main areas: the

in Syria, have been taking up most of the

USMCA is intended to replace the North

status of existing workers, changes to the

news media’s bandwidth this season.

American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

H-2A visa program, and phasing in the

If you look beyond the headlines,

and needs approval of all three countries’

use of the E-verify system for employers

however, there are some other significant

legislatures to take effect. Thus far, only

to check the immigration status of

policy issues pending. The question is

Mexico has approved it.

workers. The bill appears to be a very

if the major political stories will result

While House Democrats have

good starting point, though as with any

in delay or progress on other issues like

concerns with several key parts of the

legislation on this issue, the path forward

funding for the federal government, the

agreement, negotiations between the

is uncertain.

U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

House of Representatives and U.S. Trade

and agricultural labor.

Representative Robert Lighthizer to

item of certainty is that the national

address these issues are ongoing. Most

political battles will continue to grab the

agricultural organizations, including

headlines. While those battles continue

GOVERNMENT FUNDING Funding for the federal government

As we close out 2019, the only

Farm Credit East and our national trade

to rage, the real question is whether

seems to be a perennial issue. While

association, the Farm Credit Council,

Congress and the Administration can

it appears neither Congress nor the

support the agreement, hoping it

make progress on some of the other

Administration has the appetite for a

will bring some certainty to the trade

issues that are important to Farm Credit

government shutdown, as of this writing

relationships with the U.S.’ two most

East members.

only 10 of the 12 annual funding bills had

important export customers.

passed the House and four had passed the

18

LABOR

FINANCIAL PARTNER

FA R M C R E DI T PA I N T S THE NATION’S CA PITOL GR EEN !

While we may not have literally painted the Capitol green, if you were on Capitol Hill this past July, you wouldn’t have missed the hundreds of green totes and badges roaming the halls of Congress on July 24 when more than 700 farmers and ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C., for the bi-annual Farm Credit Fly-In. This two-day national event consisted of hundreds of legislative visits made by Farm Credit System customers and leadership, along with a farmers’ market held in the Library of Congress for Congressional staff to sample agricultural products from across the country.

Farm Credit East’s group of 33 people, including

At the Farm Credit Marketplace, Farm Credit East

the board of directors and staff, met with 30 members

was pleased to feature four Northeast agricultural

of Congress and/or their staff during the event. With

products including, beef sticks from Wilson Beef Farm

many new Northeast Congressional members, these

in Canaseraga, N.Y.; Maine potato chips produced by

visits play an important role in informing them about

Fox Family Potato Chips using potatoes from Double

Farm Credit’s mission to support rural communities

G Farms, in Blaine, Maine; Pinot Gris Wine from Jones

and agriculture. They’re also an opportunity to update

Family Farms, in Shelton, Conn.; and Allagash beer

lawmakers on the farm economy and issues impacting

produced using malted barley from Buck Farms/Maine

producers, such as ag labor, sustained low commodity

Malt House in Mapleton, Maine.

prices and weather challenges.

Maine Senator Collins

Representative Malinowski (NJ-7)

Representative McGovern (MA-2)

Representative Katko (NY-24)

Connecticut Senator Murphy

Representative Stefanik (NY-21) FALL 2019

19

FINANCIAL PARTNER is for the customers, employees and friends of Farm Credit East. Farm Credit East is a customerowned lending cooperative serving the farm, commercial fishing and forest products businesses in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. Part of the national Farm Credit System, Farm Credit East is a full-service lender dedicated to the growth and prosperity of agriculture.

Farm Credit East 240 South Road Enfield, CT 06082-4451 Address Service Requested

HOW TO REACH US: Whether you want to praise us, complain, ask our advice or just let us know what’s on your mind, we’d like to hear from you.

WRITE: Kristie Matuszewski, Editor, Farm Credit East, 240 South Road, Enfield, CT 06082-4451 CALL: 860.741.4380 E-MAIL: kristie.matuszewski@farmcrediteast.com ©2019 by Farm Credit East, ACA. All rights reserved.

Farm Credit East is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

FINANCIAL PARTNER is printed on recycled paper.

May the holiday season bring only happiness and joy to you and your loved ones!

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