While it’s been said multiple times before, agriculture is one of the most, if not the most, important industries in America. Each year, the number of farms and farmers decreases, while the population of our country increases. The future does not look promising unless we are able to retain and grow the agriculture industry to meet the prospective demand of the U.S. population.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where I met with stakeholders and faculty involved in the field of agriculture. Insight into what some of the colleges in this state are doing to further education in the agriculture industry was invaluable. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and Farm Credit East, New York is a leading agricultural state in the country. In 2015 alone, New York State produced $6.36 billion worth of agricultural goods.

The agriculture market in New York is massive and we must ensure our current and future generations of farmers are looked after. This year, the Legislature was able to establish the Young Farmers Advisory Board, which is aimed at advising and recommending policy and programs that are farmer friendly. We must ensure that policies put in place by our lawmakers do not hinder the growth of one of the largest industries in the country.

This year, the Legislature was also able to help out those currently working in the field of agriculture. In this year’s budget, the Legislature included $32 million in local assistance for farmers across the state, and also passed the Farm to Food Banks Tax Credit. This bill creates a credit for farm donations to food banks or emergency food programs. Eligible farmers will receive a credit of 25 percent of the wholesale cost of the donations (up to $5,000 dollars a year) they make to these food banks or programs.

Ensuring our agriculture industry continues to succeed is of the utmost importance. Passing farm-friendly legislation and assisting colleges in the education of our future farmers will continue to be a focus of mine.

I want to know what you think about this or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909