Budget Supports Agriculture and The Future of Farming in New York

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the newly adopted state budget includes important financial support for New York’s agriculture industry.  Once again, the Senate succeeded in restoring nearly $10 million in funding, for a total of $51 million.

"In the 59^th Senate District and across the state, agriculture plays a vital role in New York’s economy,” Gallivan said.  “Once again this year, we are investing in our future by promoting the growth and success of our farmers, especially those just starting out.  These programs not only support hardworking farm families, they ensure that agriculture will remain New York’s leading industry.”    

The new state budget provides for almost $10 million in restorations and adds to Agriculture programs as follows:

• $1.5 million, for a total of $1.9 million, for the Farm Viability Institute
• $1 million, for a total of $9.3 million, for Agribusiness Child Development
• $1 million, for a total of $5.4 million, for the Cornell Diagnostic Lab
• $544,000, for a total of $750,000, for the Apple Growers Association
• $560,000, for a total of $610,000, for Cornell Rabies
• $516,000, for a total of $1.2 million for FarmNet, Farm Family Assistance
• $378,000, for a total of $l.2 million, for Pro-Dairy
• $307,000, for a total of $l.5 million, for the Wine and Grape Foundation
• $300,000, for a total of $842,000, for Future Farmers of America
• $160,000, for a total of $160,000, for Local Fair Assistance
• $500,000 for the Apple Research and Development Board
• $600,000 for the Northern NY Agriculture Development Program
• $260,000 for Cornell Berry Research
• $250,000 for tractor Rollover Prevention program
• $215,000, for Maple Producers Association
• $200,000 for a “Seeds of Success” award to promote school gardens
• $150,000 for Turfgrass Association
• $125,000 for Christmas Tree Growers
• $125,000 for Cornell Maple Research
• $115,000 for Cornell Veterans to Farms
• $100,000 for Cornell Vegetable Research
• $50,000 for “Farm to Table Trail” development
• $75,000 for Corn and Soybean Growers Association
• $50,000 for Honeybee research at Cornell
• $50,000 for Cornell Onion Research
• $100,000 for Wood Products Council
• $25,000 for Low-Cost Vaccine Program
• $20,000 for Island Harvest
• $10,000 for NYS Brewers Association
• $10,000 for NYS Cider Association
• $10,000 for NYS Distillers Guild
• $10,000 for Chautauqua County Beekeepers Association
• $10,000 for Cornell Sheep 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.

The budget also includes $5 million in capital funding for local fairs across New York.

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