This holiday season, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) is encouraging Central New York families to buy their Christmas tree from local farmers.
“Buying your tree locally has a number of benefits, from helping to boost the local economy to supporting a clean environment,” said Stirpe. “So as you gather around your Christmas tree this year, creating memories with your friends and family, make it extra special by having a tree grown right here in Central New York.”
Each year, New York helps farmers across the state connect to new markets to support the $8 million Christmas tree industry. New York State is currently fourth in the nation for its number of Christmas tree farms. This year, trees from upstate New York were chosen to be displayed at the New York State Capitol in Albany and Rockefeller Center in New York City.
Growing Christmas trees also supports a cleaner environment, as the trees provide a habitat for wildlife, remove dust and pollen from the air and can be recycled. Christmas trees also help cut down on carbon dioxide emissions; one acre of Christmas trees removes over 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. New York State Christmas tree growers help remove 2,125 tons of carbon dioxide annually.