Counties Commend State Funding for Farmland Preservation, Agriculture Assistance Programs

• By: NYSAC
• On: 04/07/2016 13:09:26
• In: Press Releases

Farmland Protection
The enacted budget increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fun (EPF) from $123 million to $300 million. It also included a one-time increase of $120 million from bank settlement funds to support capital projects within the EPF.
 
"The agriculture industry remains a top contributor to the New York State economy, providing critical jobs, revenues, and food for our state and beyond," said Doug Berwanger, chair of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and chair of the NYSAC standing committee on agriculture. "Unfortunately, our agriculture and food system is not always recognized as the significant economic engine that it is. The funding for farmland protection and agriculture assistance is a big step in the right direction, and our farming communities are grateful to state lawmakers for including it in this year's state budget."
 
Local Agriculture Assistance
The final budget adds $11 million for certain agricultural local assistance programs.
 
"Our county leaders know that agriculture keeps their economic engines running, and we have a long tradition of supporting farms and farmers. By providing funding to support our state's agriculture and local producers, state lawmakers have demonstrated their dedication to preserve, protect, and support this industry in our local economies," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.  
 



 
View NYSAC's white papers and reports on agriculture in our counties.
 
 
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  The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving the counties of New York State. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties. 
 
www.nysac.org