While the governor may claim he is prioritizing upstate New York’s needs, we’re seeing quite the opposite as he is, yet again, making large cuts to the state’s agricultural development and support programs to the tune of nearly $2.7 million. Of those cuts, $1.97 million directly support our region, which is one of the largest farming communities in the state. That is nearly three-quarters of the overall cuts to our state’s agricultural programs.

These proposed cuts to these agricultural programs are a clear indicator that the governor still doesn’t get it. If he truly understood the backbone of the North Country and the Mohawk Valley, he’d see the great importance family farming plays in communities like ours, and wouldn’t ask us to endure these severe cuts.

The governor, again, sets his sights on the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) and suggests slashing its budget by $1.1 million, a 73 percent cut. He then proposes to entirely eliminate the Dairy Profit Teams program, also administered by the NYFVI, which represents another $220,000 cut to farming programs. The NYFVI is an important resource, as it funds various agricultural initiatives throughout the state, especially in our region. The additional cut to the Dairy Profit Teams is especially troubling because our region is one of the strongest in dairy production. The more we can help dairy farmers realize a profit from their hard work, the better it is for all of us.

Additionally, the governor has targeted the Northern New York Agricultural Development program for complete elimination. The $500,000 program helps cultivate cutting-edge farming practices, supporting bio-fuel, developing cold-hardy wine grapes, and expanding maple production, among other programs.

I don’t know if you’re aware, but our state has more sugar maples than the leading maple producer in the world, Canada. I also joke that if cows could vote, I’d be the next governor, as we have so many here in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. So when the $125,000 Maple Producers program and the $20,000 North Country Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination programs are on the chopping block for elimination, I take it a bit personally.

Farming is not just a cultural heritage; it’s an active, viable and evolving industry that provides jobs to our region. The more we can improve farm-to-market opportunities, research and develop new farming techniques, and protect crop and livestock assets, the stronger the industry will be for our communities.

I will be working closely with my legislative colleagues to try to save these programs. I will make sure Albany understands that agriculture is an industry worth supporting and investing in. If you have any questions or comments about agriculture, economic development or any other state-related issue, feel free to email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or call 493-3909.