New York Farm Bureau News Bytes – Episode #5 Summary

Released on April 24, 2024

Title: Interview with Jared Bono on the Hudson Valley Research Lab

Hosts: Steve Ammerman (Director of Communications, New York Farm Bureau) and Jared Bono (Director, Hudson Valley Research Lab)

Introduction to Agricultural Research in New York

Steve Ammerman opens the episode by emphasizing the critical role of research in advancing New York’s agricultural sector. He highlights how sustained research efforts have historically led to innovations in technology, sustainability, and efficiency for farmers. Ammerman underscores the urgency of continued investment in agricultural research, noting that other regions like Europe and Asia are currently outspending the United States in this domain.

Notable Quote:

“We need to make sure that we have a viable and substantial food system in this country in order to feed ourselves well.”
— Steve Ammerman [00:45]

Ammerman introduces Jared Bono, the director of the Hudson Valley Research Lab, who discusses the lab's mission and its impact on local farmers, particularly those in the Hudson Valley.

Background of Jared Bono

Jared Bono shares his personal and professional journey, rooted deeply in the Hudson Valley’s agricultural landscape. Growing up on a small, recreational farm in Saugerties, Bono developed an early affinity for farming and environmental stewardship. His experiences abroad, particularly a semester in West Africa observing subsistence farming and food insecurity, shaped his dedication to sustainable agriculture.

Notable Quote:

“My specialty is plant, soil, water interactions. I'm not that great at growing things, but I've always been working with farmers on the water side of things.”
— Jared Bono [02:22]

Bono returned to New York in 2017 to balance his professional pursuits with family life and commenced his role with Cornell Cooperative Extension at Ulster County before leading the Hudson Valley Research Lab.

Establishment and Mission of the Hudson Valley Research Lab

The Hudson Valley Research Lab boasts a centennial legacy, established in 1923 as part of the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station. Situated in Highland, New York, the lab operates through a collaborative partnership where growers own and maintain the facility, while Cornell University supplies the research expertise.

Notable Quote:

“Our goal is to keep agriculture vibrant in the Hudson Valley through applied research.”
— Jared Bono [05:14]

The lab focuses primarily on agritech, covering a diverse array of research areas including tree fruit, vegetables, field crops, livestock, berries, and viticulture. This broad scope ensures comprehensive support for the region's agricultural needs.

Key Research Initiatives

1. Fire Blight Management

Fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease affecting fruit trees, poses significant threats to orchards in the Hudson Valley. Bono explains the lab's multifaceted approach to managing this disease:

• Predictive Modeling: Utilizing weather and disease models to forecast high-risk periods for fire blight, enabling targeted interventions.

  Notable Quote:

  “We're always trying to improve those models… so we can predict when the tree is most at risk.”
  — Jared Bono [07:48]

• Innovative Treatments: Developing alternative methods such as UV seed light treatments to eliminate the bacteria without relying solely on chemical sprays.

  Notable Quote:

  “We're building one of these UV light systems this year… hope that doesn't damage the fruit but achieves killing the fire blight.”
  — Jared Bono [08:10]

2. Invasive Species Control: Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest from Asia, threatens local agriculture by attacking key crops like apples, grapes, and maples.

Key Points:

• Early Detection: The Hudson Valley Research Lab was among the first within the Cornell system to establish a spotted lanternfly colony, allowing for early research and control measures.

• Lifecycle Studies: Utilizing 3D-printed models to study the different life stages of the lanternfly enhances understanding and management strategies.

  Notable Quote:

  “They can be economically dangerous pests… they're spreading by the day.”
  — Jared Bono [14:43]

3. Plant Breeding and Viticulture

The lab is actively engaged in breeding programs to develop resilient and marketable fruit varieties:

• Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc: Maintaining a vineyard to test and identify clones and rootstocks that thrive in the region's climate, aiming to produce a signature wine that can bolster local viticulture.

  Notable Quote:

  “We're maintaining that vineyard in partnership with our friends at Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture.”
  — Jared Bono [15:47]

• Apple Variety Trials: Experimenting with new apple species and varieties to ensure future orchards can withstand changing environmental conditions.

4. Agrivoltaics: Integrating Solar Energy with Orchards

Agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy production, presents a promising opportunity for enhancing sustainability.

Key Initiatives:

• Solar Panel Implementation: Installing solar panels over high-density apple orchards to generate clean energy without sacrificing agricultural productivity.

• Environmental Benefits: Providing shade to reduce water stress on trees, protecting crops from hail, and mitigating frost damage by regulating temperatures.

  Notable Quote:

  “We can actually manipulate that with the panels to see if we can provide some shade to these trees during the middle of the hottest part of the day.”
  — Jared Bono [17:47]

• Economic Advantages: Allowing farmers to generate immediate revenue from solar energy while their crops mature, thereby improving the financial viability of orchards.

The Importance of Research Funding

Ammerman and Bono discuss the pressing need for increased research funding to sustain and advance agricultural innovations.

Key Points:

• Current Funding Limits: Research constitutes only 2% of the farm bill, with efforts underway to advocate for an increase to 4%.

• Economic Impact: Effective research directly translates to cost savings for farmers through reduced chemical usage and improved crop yields, essential in an industry with slim profit margins.

  Notable Quote:

  “If it’s going to save the growers time and money, it really makes sense.”
  — Jared Bono [11:27]

Bono emphasizes that enhanced funding is crucial for developing new solutions to emerging challenges, such as climate-induced stresses and pest invasions.

Future of Agriculture in the Hudson Valley

Looking ahead, Bono remains optimistic about the growth and resilience of Hudson Valley agriculture. He cites demographic shifts, such as an increase in young farmers and heightened public interest in sustainable farming practices, as positive indicators.

Key Trends:

• Resilience and Community Engagement: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of local farms in maintaining food security, fostering stronger community ties.

• Innovative Practices: Continued adoption of technologies like agrivoltaics and advanced pest management techniques will drive sustainability and productivity.

  Notable Quote:

  “The future is bright, actually… farming is cool again. People want to do it.”
  — Jared Bono [25:02]

Bono envisions a future where research-driven practices ensure the longevity and prosperity of local farms, adapting to environmental and economic shifts.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Steve Ammerman concludes the interview by reiterating the vital importance of agricultural research and encouraging listeners to support funding initiatives. He highlights the collaborative efforts between researchers and farmers as the backbone of a sustainable food system.

Final Quote:

“We need to make sure that our farmers have the tools that they need to be successful for whatever comes their way in the coming years.”
— Steve Ammerman [27:00]

Listeners are invited to engage with agricultural research through platforms like Cornell Agritech and to advocate for increased investment in the sector.

Additional Resources: For more information about the Hudson Valley Research Lab and ongoing projects, visit the Cornell Agritech website.

Thank you for listening to New York Farm Bureau News Bytes. Remember to support your local farmers and the research that keeps our food system strong and sustainable.