Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that he helped pass a 2015-2016 Assembly budget proposal that continues to invest in New York’s thriving agricultural industry.

“New York’s agriculture industry is currently booming and providing a major boost to our overall economy,” said Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. “The Assembly’s budget proposal continues to support our farmers and builds on the progress we’ve made, so our farms can continue to grow and thrive.”

The Assembly budget proposal restores funding to the following programs:

• Farm Viability Institute: $1.1 million;
• Agribusiness Child Development: $1 million;
• NY Apple Growers Association: $544,000;
• Cornell Veterinary “Core” Diagnostic Lab: $500,000;
• NY Wine and Grape Foundation: $250,000;
• Cornell University Rabies program: $200,000;
• Maple Producers Association: $125,000;
• Local fairs: $160,000;
• Tractor Rollover Protection Program: $100,000; and
• Farm Family Assistance (NY FarmNet): $100,000.

The proposal also accepts the governor’s $50 million plan to fund capital improvements to the state fairgrounds, and includes up to $5 million for infrastructure projects at county and local fairgrounds.

In recent years, the Assembly has passed new laws to help revitalize agriculture in New York by promoting the beer, wine, cider and distilled spirits industries (Ch. 406 of 2014) and creating a license for farm cideries to expand cider-making opportunities (Ch. 384 of 2013). The Assembly’s budget support for the maple and apple industries has helped increase production and expand sales over the last few years.

“Our beer, wine, cider and distilled spirits industries have achieved tremendous success so far, and the Assembly is committed to ensuring their profitability continues,” said Thiele. “The recent boom in sales of award-winning, locally made products is a clear example of what can be achieved when we support our farms and invest in New York agriculture.”