The State Technical Committee (STC) provides information, analysis and recommendations on a wide variety of policy issues to NRCS. Although State Technical Committees have no implementation or enforcement authority, USDA gives strong consideration to the STC's recommendations.
The next meeting will take place online on September 3, 2026.
What does the State Technical Committee do?
The New York State Technical Advisory Committee (STC) is an advisory group coordinated by the State Conservationist to help organize and deliver Farm Bill related program benefits. General meetings of the STC are scheduled two times each year or announced for special program activities.
The State Technical Committee recommends criteria and guidelines for agricultural and nonindustrial private forestland producers regarding new and existing conservation programs and initiatives.
Who are the Committee Members?
The New York State Technical Committee members come from a variety of backgrounds and provide an invaluable service to the NRCS in making programmatic decisions for New York. They are the leaders in their fields of expertise and are deeply concerned about environmental resource concerns. The current members are as follows:
- USDA-NRCS NY
- Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Scenic Hudson
- Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- American Farmland Trust
- New York Agricultural Stewardship
- Soil Water Conservation District (SWCD)
- SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
- Food Alliance
- Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY)
- Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Syracuse Grows
- The Columbia Land Conservancy
- The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
- Lake Champlain Basin Program
- New York Farm Bureau (NYFB)
- The Watershed Agricultural Council
- Ducks Unlimited (DU)
- Scenic Hudson
- The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society
What are the Subcommittees?
Subcommittees of the STC are organized to address current issues and details of various Farm Bill programs. Occasionally, ad hoc subcommittees may also be created to address special programs or as determined by the State Conservationist. Subcommittee meetings are scheduled to coincide with requirements for implementation of specific programs. The organization of the New York STC also includes a link to Local Work Groups. Through a locally led process, Local Work Groups also serve in an advisory role and their input is included in the STC meetings.
How to become a member?
Individuals or groups wanting to become a member of the State Technical Committee within New York may submit to the State Conservationist a request that explains their credentials for becoming a member of the State Technical Committee. Decisions of the State Conservationist concerning membership on the committee are final and not appealable. The State Conservationist will respond to requests for State Technical Committee membership in writing within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days.
Request to become a member of the STC
When does the State Technical Committee meet?
The STC meets biannually, although the schedule may change as determined by the State Conservationist. The meeting announcements are published on the New York NRCS website and distributed via GovDelivery at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date.
More information
Rules for the State Technical Committee can be found here.
