Larkin Announces Agriculture Funding In Budget

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced several statewide agricultural programs funded in the state budget that passed the Senate and Assembly this week.

"Agriculture is one of New York State’s top two most important industries," said Senator Larkin. "I am very pleased that we were able to agree on this critical funding in the budget and continue to support these programs. Much of this funding will have a direct impact on the Hudson Valley and the local agricultural economy."

The following highlights several programs for which Senator Larkin strongly advocated:

$4.4 million for the Farm Viability Institute

$2 million for marketing of New York State wines.

$2 million for the Cornell Equine Drug Testing Laboratory

$1.1 million to restore 21 food inspector positions

$1 million for Agritourism

$606,000 for Migrant Child Care

$550,000 for the New York State Apple Growers Association

$285,000 for Apiary Inspection and Research

$250,000 for Wildlife Rabies program

$238,000 for Wine and Grape Foundation matching grants

$148,000 for Quality Milk Promotion

$118,000 for Agriculture Economic Development

$100,000 for the Maple Syrup Association

$85,000 for the Hudson Valley Fruit Laboratory

$69,000 for Agriculture in the Classroom

$49,000 for Future Farmers program

$41,000 for Farm Family Assistance

$14,000 for Onion Research