The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is pleased to announce a series of listening sessions on the 2023 Farm Bill. These sessions will complement a series of roundtable discussions held in 2022 by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets and permit OTDA to gain additional perspectives regarding the Farm Bill’s Nutrition Title.

The Farm Bill is the primary federal legislation that governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as an array of agricultural and food programs. The Farm Bill is scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress in 2023.

OTDA is seeking input from a variety of stakeholders and community members as New York finalizes its priorities for consideration in this Farm Bill reauthorization. OTDA is interested in hearing from speakers on key areas impacted by the Farm Bill including SNAP eligibility, benefit calculations, employment and training programs, SNAP outreach and nutrition education, and EBT card usage and security. Anyone interested in federal SNAP policies is encouraged to provide testimony.

Registration is required to attend or speak at a listening session. Participants are welcome to attend more than one session but are asked to select just one session for a representative to speak. Speakers are invited to make brief remarks (2-3 minutes) directed specifically at federal provisions impacted by the Farm Bill.

Written comments should be sent by Friday April 28, 2023, to farmbill2023@otda.ny.gov.

In-person listening sessions will not have the capability to allow for virtual participation, nor will they be livestreamed. One statewide virtual-only session will be offered for anyone who is unable to attend a listening session in person.