Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) was recently named to the New York State Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends. This is the fourth time the assemblyman, who is the ranking minority member of the Assembly Agricultural Committee, has received this distinction.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our regional culture and economy, and it has always been a priority of mine to protect this way of life and our valued family farmers,” said Blankenbush. “It is an honor to work with the Farm Bureau to ensure New York remains a friend and ally to its farmer.”

Blankenbush has successfully secured $21.1 million in investments for state agriculture and market programs. During the last two budget cycles, he protected the $500,000 funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development program from the governor’s attempts to eliminate it.

Not only is agriculture an important source of jobs, roughly 115,000 statewide, it generates $37.6 billion in output and nearly $10 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). A strong agricultural industry has a positive multiplier impact on the economy as a whole. A study published by Cornell University and the New York Farm Viability Institute found a positive “ripple” effect on the economy, highlighting that for every $1 in GDP contributed by agriculture another $1.13 is generated by non-agriculture activities.