Senator Helming Statement in Support of Family Farms on National Agriculture Day

Farming is as vital to our economy as food is to our families. One does not exist without the other.

The recently-released USDA Census of Agriculture is a reminder of the importance of supporting our family farms and ensuring their success.

Since the last Ag Census in 2017, New York State has lost nearly 2,800 farms and 364,000 acres of farmland.

Over the past several years, I have opposed policies in our state that have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to operate. Our farmers are the hardest-working people I know and the challenges they face are mounting, from burdensome state mandates and regulations to higher production, labor, fuel and feed costs.

Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the 54th District. As State Senator, I will continue to advocate for the support our farmers deserve, and against policies that make it harder for them to do business in New York.

Please join me in thanking our farmers for providing the food that sustains our families and the economic investment that sustains our communities.

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