Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara’s proposal to create a Farm Investment Fund to support family farms has passed the Assembly (A.2417-C).

“Farming is an important part of our region’s economy and I’m committed to strengthening and promoting this critical industry,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam. “The Farm Investment Fund will help farmers in our communities make the purchases and investments they need to ensure they’re able to thrive and grow.”

The legislation would authorize grants of up to $50,000 to help farmers afford infrastructure investments, equipment purchases and other costs intended to modernize their farm and farming practices.

New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton said, “Modern agriculture presents many challenges and opportunities for farmers today that Assemblyman Santabarbara's legislation can help them tackle in creative ways. But the fund is more than an investment into individual farms but rather the entire farm economy that strengthens our rural communities.”