Governor Paterson and Senator Schumer Meet With Western New York Farmers To Discuss Agriculture Industry's Current Challenges

Press Release

Governor Paterson and Senator Schumer Meet With Western New York Farmers To Discuss Agriculture Industry's Current Challenges

Meeting Topics Ranged from the Federal Farm Bill to Labor Needs and Economic Development

Governor David A. Paterson and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today met with more than 100 farmers in Western New York to discuss issues of critical importance to New York's 36,000 farms. Governor Paterson detailed the unprecedented agricultural aid offered in the 2008-2009 enacted state budget during a town hall-styled event that allowed farmers to discuss unique problems they face in this tough economic time.

"Few industries are as important to New York as agriculture," said Governor Paterson. "Farmers generate food for our tables and they also feed our economy to the tune of $3.6 billion each year. We must ensure these farmers have adequate protections against rising fuel costs and a shrinking work force. We must help in the fight against invasive species and diseases, and find new routes of trade for their products."

The Governor discussed the state's aggressive program to contain and eradicate the Plum Pox virus, which is threatening New York's stone fruit crops, particularly peaches. He was joined by New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker, who last month led a delegation of farmers and agri-business leaders on New York's first-ever trade mission to Cuba. The trip was part of an effort to encourage the exportation of New York agricultural products to the island, which has not been a destination for New York goods. Governor Paterson said opening a New York-Cuba trade route would help New York farmers participate in a U.S.-Cuba trade relationship that generates $350 million annually.

Senator Schumer updated farmers of the status of the federal Farm Bill, the primary agricultural and food policy bill of the federal government. The bill addresses an array of agricultural and food issues, such as subsidies, energy policy, conservation, nutrition, and rural development. This spring Governor Paterson and Senator Schumer fought to include an amendment to the bill that ties milk prices to the price of feed, so that increased feed prices farmers pay do not diminish milk profitability. If the Farm Bill is approved, it would be a victory for the more than 6,200 dairy farmers in New York State.

Senator Schumer said: "This farm bill is one of the best things to happen to Northeast agriculture in a very long time. Our two biggest products--dairy, and fruits and vegetables--take giant steps forward under its provisions. When I became Senator I vowed to put Northeast agriculture on the map, and this bill will ensure we can do just that.

"For dairy, our leading crop, it raises the repayment rate to 45%, increases the covered milk to the production of about a 165-head herd, and takes into account the cost of production so that as feed prices go up, so do the target price.

"And even more dramatically, it fulfills our promise to bring specialty crops the kind of federal support they need, providing over $400 million in block grants to states and $300 million to combat pests and diseases like the plum pox virus which has been threatening crops across Western New York this year. This is good news for New York farmers, and I know Governor Paterson will work tirelessly to defend and promote the interests of all farmers from one end of the state to the other."

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said: "Whether at the state or federal level, Governor Paterson and Senator Schumer are two leaders who recognize the important contributions the agriculture industry provides New York State. Their support and dedication was heard loud and clear among the farm community today as farmers had a unique opportunity to speak face-to-face with them on the issues impacting their businesses the most."

Senator Schumer also announced that the conference report for the 2008 Farm Bill will be filed on Monday, with the full Senate voting on it sometime next week. The Farm Bill has just come out of conference with the House, and Schumer discussed several portions of it that will aid farmers across Upstate New York.

Besides making strong provisions for dairy farmers, the Farm Bill also helps fruit and vegetable farmers by including about $3.5 billion in new money for specialty crops programs. They include block grants to states, conservation programs, disaster money, programs to combat pests and disease, including invasives like plum pox virus (PPV), and funding for the Tree Assistance Program. For organic farmers, there are several new programs and funding for organic research.

"The bill has broad, bi-partisan support, so even a presidential veto will have a hard time standing in our way," said Senator Schumer.

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