Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River), Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Agriculture Committee, led a group of legislators in a viral video campaign to promote family farms and an agenda that will support agriculture. Agriculture is the largest economic industry in the state, generating $5.2 billion in economic activity.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our state’s entire economy, and we must give our farming families and communities the attention and support they deserve,” said Blankenbush. “Agriculture is the largest industry in our state, but is often overlooked as a viable and important part of our economic recovery. I launched this video with my assembly colleagues to raise awareness and gain grassroots support in not only our farming communities but throughout the state. Together, with the support of New Yorkers, we can push for better policies that help our family farms and job creators.”

As is the case with small mom-and-pop shops, farms are among the largest employers in regions like the North Country and rural parts of the Mohawk Valley. While the region has traditionally been dominated by dairy farming, it currently holds a few unique opportunities to grow into new markets. Wineries are growing in the Tug Hill plateau region, and the North Country has also been identified as a prime area in which to develop maple production. Overall, this region has more sugar maples than Canada and could bypass it as the world’s top maple producer.

Global demand for New York’s farmed goods is increasing due to developing nations like China and Brazil. Blankenbush wants to be sure New York’s family farmers are not only prepared to compete but are able to reap fair profits from their hard work. Among his top priorities are to lower property taxes and energy costs for family farms.