Ag Industry Trends & Outlooks

Discover insights, trends, ag market outlooks and other topical information as it relates to the Northeast's diverse agricultural industries. Brought to you by Knowledge Exchange from Farm Credit East.
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Knowledge Exchange Partner

Knowledge Exchange Partner

Farm Labor Policy in Transition: Updates on SAWA, H-2A and AEWR

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how proposed H-2A reforms and recent wage-rate changes could affect Northeast agricultural employers, including workforce access, labor costs, program flexibility and compliance—and what these evolving policies may mean for the future of farm labor.

October 5, 2026

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Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., viewed from the front steps under a clear blue sky
Public Policy
2026 Farm Bill: Time to Act

Congress has not passed a traditional five-year farm bill since 2018. America’s farmers, fishers and foresters have continued to be helped by short-term extensions and other ad-hoc support. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) updated and authorized certain components of the farm bill, there are still significant programs that require action.

October 28, 2026

Featured Webinar

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Business Tips and Tools
Apple Industry Outlook Webinar
Join Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit as they host Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 15, 2027

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Crop Insurance
Reminder: Crop Insurance Deadline for Perennial Fruit Crops

The deadline to insure Northeast perennial crops for the 2025 crop year is November 20, 2024. Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent. 

October 24, 2024

Ripe blueberries growing on green leafed bush
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands the Enhanced Coverage Option and Increases Affordability

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) will expand coverage to include several fruits for the 2025 crop year and increase premium support to make the coverage more affordable. The ECO will now include apples, blueberries and grapes, providing new coverage opportunities for Northeast fruit producers.  

October 22, 2024

Ripe bunch of purple grapes on vine with green leaves
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands Perennial Crop Insurance Coverage for New Jersey Grape Producers and Clam Harvesters

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently announced expansion of its perennial crop insurance coverage in New Jersey to include grape producers in additional counties and producers in select counties can now obtain coverage for their clams. This expansion will allow Crop Growers, Farm Credit East’s insurance provider, to provide important coverage to mitigate risk for more New Jersey producers.

October 21, 2024

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
Crop Insurance
Assistance Available for Connecticut Producers Impacted by Flooding and Hail

Following recent flooding and hail events across Connecticut, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering the following programs to assist impacted farmers and livestock producers.

September 17, 2024

Northeast Economic Engine

Download Farm Credit East’s Northeast Economic Engine report, which analyzes the economic impact of the Northeast agriculture, forest products, commercial fishing and food manufacturing industries. This report was released in October 2024. 

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Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report