Growing New York's Agriculture

Growing New York’s Agriculture from the Ground Up:

Once again, the New York State Senate succeeded in restoring nearly $10 million (for a total of $51 million) to fund initiatives not included in the Executive Budget that will give New York farmers a leading edge over other states to continue growing our agriculture industry. Dozens of programs - investments in cutting-edge agricultural research, support for the next generation of family farmers, environmental stewardship, and protections for plant, animal, and public health - will be funded, with significant increases including:

$1.5 million (for a total of $1.9 million) for the Farm Viability Institute to help New York’s farmers become more profitable and to improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of farms, the food system, and the communities which they serve; 

$1 million (for a total of $9.3 million) for Agri Business Child Development, to provide quality early childhood education and social services to farm workers and other eligible families;

$1 million (for a total of $5.4 million) for the Cornell Diagnostic Lab;

$516,000 (for a total of $1.2 million) for FarmNet, Farm Family Assistance; and

$300,000 (for a total of $842,000) to expand FFA and help prepare young New Yorkers to become leaders in agriculture.

Helping the Hungry Through Farming:

The Senate succeeded in including “Farm-to-Food-Bank” in the final budget after last year's legislation was vetoed. More fresh, New York-grown produce will be available to help feed the hungry by allowing farmers to claim a tax credit for produce and other farm product donations to food banks or other emergency food programs.