Cazenovia College Equine Business Management Program students (from left) Brianne Olsen, Molly Gildea, Samantha Simpfenderfer, Assemblyman Magee, Jessica Berman, Madison County Farm Bureau member Karin Bump and Betty Holt of the NYS Harness Horse Breeders during the NYFB taste of NY Reception held on Monday, March 2.
NYFB State Director Darrell Griff (R) has lunch with Assembly Chair on Agriculture Bill Magee (D-Nelson) during NYFB Lobby Day.
(Madison County, NY – March 10, 2015) Farmers from Madison County took time away from their farms recently to visit with lawmakers in Albany to push for policy initiatives that will create a stronger climate for every farmer in the state.
On the heels of a report unveiled by NY State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that showed the significant economic impact agriculture has in the state, Madison County Farm Bureau members made the case for new policies and increased funding that will help promote and protect New York’s farms. According to the report, the state’s farming economy grew by 22 percent in a five year period with the Central New York region, which includes Madison County, ranking third in the state for agricultural sales.
“I am pleased that Comptroller DiNapoli’s report highlights the hard work and dedication of our farmers, the diversity of our products and the importance of agriculture to our local communities,” said Madison County Farm Bureau President Nate Durfee. “Albany, in recent years, has placed a renewed focus on agriculture for which we are thankful, but we there is still much more to be done to ensure that we remain a viable industry and continue to contribute to the well-being of our communities.”
Durfee was joined in Albany by Madison County Farm Bureau member Dr. Karin Bump and NYFB State Director Darrell Griff. They met with Senator David Valesky, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture Bill Magee and representatives from downstate to talk about legislative priorities that would create a positive economic climate for every farmer. Among the specific priorities members advocated for are support for a refundable investment tax credit, increased funding to repair aging roads and bridges, a creation of a Farm E-Z Pass, support for the Environmental Protection Fund, the reform of the state’s inherent risk law for equine operations, investment in regional food hubs and funding for agriculture education in our schools.
“We brought to Albany a positive agenda that we believe will address the challenges that impact our farms,” Durfee said. “We look forward to working with our lawmakers to preserve and protect agriculture.”