Gillibrand Meets With Western New York Farmers, Begins Listening Tour To Discuss 2012 Farm Bill

Press Release

As Congress begins debate over the next Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the first New Yorker to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years, today met with Western New York farmers to begin her statewide listening sessions to discuss new efforts to help New York farmers and farming communities. Senator Gillibrand plans to focus on key areas of the Farm Bill that will have major influence on New York, including access to financing, new market opportunities, assistance for specialty crops, and investments in renewable energy. From dairy farms to black dirt farms, and apple orchards to vineyards, artisanal cheeses, and other specialty crops, New York farmers and communities will have a lot to gain in the next Farm Bill.

"New York is home to the hardest working farm families and the finest locally-grown produce in the world, but outdated regulations and a bad economy are hurting our farmers and farming communities across the state," Senator Gillibrand said. "We need to make sure the next Farm Bill is a good deal for New York. I plan to take the next several months to listen to farmers and businesses in every corner of the state and discuss my ideas on how to help farmers survive and prosper in the new economy."

Senator Gillibrand plans to hold similar listening sessions in agricultural communities in every corner of New York to listen to concerns and discuss ideas to make sure the next Farm Bill is good for New York.

Over 35,000 farms stretch across 7.1 million acres -- making up one-fourth of New York State. New York's agriculture industry generates nearly $4.5 billion for the state's economy. Western New York alone is home to nearly 6,500 farms stretching over 1 million acres and generating over $710 million for the state's economy.

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