Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) helped host today’s Minority sponsored “Dairy Day” event that has become an annual favorite. Students and adults alike stopped by to support New York state’s 6,200 contributors that make up the state’s largest industry.

“The dairy industry is the backbone of New York state’s economy, contributing $2.4 billion in annual revenue. New York also is ranked third nationally in production of dairy products, contributing 7.1% to the country as a whole.” said Giglio. “I am honored to stand beside the dairy farmers to acknowledge their hard work and contribution to our great state.”

Dairy Day is especially important this year, following the events of yesterday’s Assembly approval of the so-called “Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act” that will increase the financial burdens on small farmers across the state, forcing many to leave New York. Assemblyman Giglio voted “no” on this legislation and joined other Assembly colleagues along with leaders in the Agriculture industry to address the issue at today’s Dairy Day press conference.

“The legislation that passed in yesterday’s Assembly session was heavily debated and passed by a close margin. There are members on both sides of the aisle who understand how detrimental these new regulations will be for small farmers, and those of us who do will continue the fight to ensure it is not passed in the Senate,” stated Giglio.

Assemblyman Giglio participated in the press conference along with Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I-Olean); Assemblyman William Magee (D,I-Madison, Oneida, Otsego), Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee; Jerry Cosgrove, NYS Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets; Oliver Orton, NYS Grange; Eric Ooms, NYS Farm Bureau; Bruce Krupke, Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc.; Audrey Donahoe, American Dairy Association and Dairy Council; NYS Dairy Princesses; and a calf, courtesy of local farmer Jason Graziano.

Vendors featured at today's event included American Dairy Association, Dairy Council, Garelick Farms, HP Hood, McCadams Cheese, Mercer’s Dairy, New York State Dairy Foods, Perry’s Ice Cream, Pride of New York, Ronnybrook Farms Dairy, Sorrento Lactalis, Stewart’s Shops, Upstate Niagara Co-Op, and Jason Graziano.