New York has had a tough time over the last few years. We’ve been hit the hardest by the economic recession and its effects have been felt longer in our state than any other in the nation. It’s been difficult for everyone, especially here in upstate New York, where unemployment figures increased over the last year.

Many of you know my approach to problems; I always use the same upstate common sense solution – which is this: the simplest fix is often the best.

When thinking of the ways we can revitalize and breathe life into our economy, I think of what we readily have available in our own communities – abundant, rich and fertile fields and pastures. For our part of upstate, agriculture is an important tool in our arsenal that can combat unemployment.

I’m interested by the many different ways the governor would like to revive the upstate economy through technology and development opportunities or perhaps even gaming and tourism. However, while I welcome new industries and economic opportunities, what are we doing to revitalize our biggest industry, agriculture?

We need to look at agriculture in a more serious light. Sadly, family farms are on the decline just as new and profitable agricultural markets are gearing up.

This is why our agricultural programs are so important and why I am so troubled by Gov. Cuomo’s 2013-14 Executive Budget Proposal’s near $5 million cut in local aid. I was stunned after the hard work we put into previous budget cycles that we’d be again faced by the same massive cuts to programs that are specially designed to help innovate, market and support New York’s family farmers and their products.

If upstate New York is so critically important to the governor’s economic plan, why is the agricultural community losing his support?

The North Country and the Mohawk Valley will be especially impacted by these cuts, with the complete de-funding of the Northern New York Agricultural Development and Maple Producers program and a nearly 70 percent cut in funding to the New York Farm Viability Institute. Additionally, the Agricultural Economic Development Grants we established last year will now lose all funding.

I’ve said it before, New York, especially this region, has some unique opportunities to take on even global producers of certain agricultural products, like maple, for example, which is facing one of the fastest growing global demands. In fact, there are more sugar maples available for production in upstate New York than there are in Canada, the leading global producer.

Our state should use every tool available to get upstate New Yorkers back to work, but it won’t happen without its biggest and most effective tool – a strong agricultural sector fueling all the other innovation, entrepreneurship and investment that is possible in our region. I will pressure the governor and my colleagues to recommit to the upstate economy by reinvesting in agriculture.

As the representative of the newly-formed 117th Assembly District, I look forward to continuing to work with residents in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, and am eager to get to know those in the towns of Annsville, Ava, Camden, Florence, Forestport, Kirkland, Remsen, Verona, Vienna and Westmoreland in Oneida County. Please e-mail me any time at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or call my office at (315) 493-3909.