Senator Maziarz joins Farm Bureau's "Circle of Friends"

New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton traveled to the 62^nd Senate District to personally welcome State Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) into the Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends.”  The announcement came during a visit to Blackman Homestead Farm in the Town of Cambria in Niagara County.

Farm Bureau President Dean Norton said, “NYFB developed this award, which is not an endorsement, specifically to recognize individual legislators for a positive voting record for our family farmers.  I am pleased to present the Circle of Friends designation to Senator Maziarz, yet again, for his strong and continued support for our local farmers.  In these times it isn’t always easy to stand up for family farmers, and I appreciate Senator Maziarz’ continued efforts to ensure that farmers in his district are well represented in Albany.”

The Circle of Friends award is an indication of Senator Maziarz’ support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau during the 2010 legislative session.  Senator Maziarz has received the award every year since he was first elected to the State Senate in 1995.

“There is perhaps no greater honor I can aspire to than being included in the Circle of Friends every year,” Senator Maziarz said.  “Agriculture is the state’s number one industry.  Family farms are the backbone of my Senate district, and much of Upstate New York.  I will keep fighting to make sure farmers in our region get the representation they deserve in Albany.”

This year, Senator Maziarz helped defeat the so-called “Farm Death Bill” in the State Senate—farmworker omnibus legislation that would have crippled many farm operations across the state.  He has also worked diligently on a host of state and local initiatives, ranging from helping farmers benefit from net metering and low-cost hydropower to creating and expanding the Niagara Wine Trail.

New York Farm Bureau, a nonpartisan, volunteer organization, is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization.  New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community.

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