Assemblyman Al Stirpe announced that this year’s 2013-14 Assembly budget proposal restores vital funding to agriculture programs (E.182).

“Our community is home to many farmers and a significant amount of agribusiness, it is imperative that we give our local farmers the tools necessary in order to grow and thrive,” said Assemblyman Stirpe.

Specifically, the Assembly budget proposal restores over $1 million to the following programs:

• Farm Viability Institute: $821,000 (for a total of $1.22 million);
• Farm Net: $100,000 (for a total of $484,000);
• Maple Producers Association: $100,000;
• Tractor Rollover Protection Program: $100,000; and
• Cornell University Rabies Diagnostic Lab: $100,000 (for a total of $150,000).

The Assembly also added $750,000 for Agricultural Industry Competitiveness Assistance. Additionally, in light of a poor growing season in 2012, the Assembly budget proposal increases funding for the Apple Association by $100,000, for a total of $306,000, allowing New York State apple growers to regain their position in the national market, noted Stirpe.

“Having this funding restored in the Assembly budget is a critical first step, but more can be done,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “And I will continue to fight to ensure our farmers get the resources they need to flourish and reap the benefits of their hard work.”