Ever since the governor issued his budget proposal, I have been reviewing it, picking it apart, and seeing how it would impact the state, especially here in the North Country and the Mohawk Valley. For the next several weeks, I will be discussing components of the budget and what I will be fighting for on your behalf.

Agriculture is the backbone of our region’s economy, and it plays an integral role in the state’s economy as a whole. As reported by Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball, New York had a great year with nearly $6 billion in sales. This is outstanding news for our family farmers and agribusinesses, and the state must work to make sure its policies and investments help bolster and build on this success.

While I am pleased that the governor is proposing to do away with $30,000 worth of fees imposed on agribusinesses, I am confounded by yet another year of cuts he has proposed. Every year, since I have been in office, the governor has looked to cut significant funding to programs that aid family farmers and boost our local economy.

For instance, the governor proposed to eliminate funding to the Northern New York Agricultural Development program, as well as the Maple Producers, Christmas Tree Farmers Association, North Country Low Cost Rabies Vaccine, Corn and Soybean Growers Association, Cornell Maple Research and the Wood Products Council.

Additionally, he proposed a $1.1 million cut to the New York Farm Viability Institute, and the Cornell Future Farmers of America program would see a $158,000, or 45%, cut in its funding. In total, the governor would cut over $8 million in funding to 30 important agricultural programs.

What the governor says and what is proposed in his budget paint two entirely different pictures. New York’s farmers do not need the platitudes of politicians, they need decisive action. I will fight for better funding for our agriculture programs as I have done in the past.

I welcome your thoughts on agriculture in our state or any other legislative matter. Please call me at 493-3909, or email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us to share your ideas.