Dairy Assistance Program provides needed aid. An unprecedented victory for farmers, the state budget created the new Dairy Assistance Program, a $30 million investment in the dairy industry. The program will deliver necessary relief to dairy farmers who suffered from low milk prices, floods and high fuel and feed prices in 2006. Eligible dairy producers will be able to receive payments based on pounds of milk produced during the 2006 calendar year.

There’s still time to apply for Dairy Assistance Program funds. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets will continue to accept applications from milk producers until July 9, 2007. Visit www.agmkt.state.ny.us and click on New York State Dairy Assistance Program for more information.

Gunther invests in New York’s farms. In recognition of the important role farms play in our economy, Gunther fought for several new initiatives in the state budget to strengthen agriculture. Highlights include:

• Funds for the Sullivan County Farmers’ Markets Association to help with promotion and advertising of the 2007 farmers’ markets

• Funding to protect crops and orchards from disease and pests, such as $300,000 for the Cornell Phytophthora Research Program and $500,000 for the Cornell Plum Pox Virus Eradication and Indemnity Program

• Assisting livestock farmers with $16,000 for the Beef Producers Bull Testing Program and $14,000 for the Beef Producers Empire Heifer Development Program

• Investing in developing agricultural markets, including setting aside $50,000 each for Biodiesel Feasibility Research and the Agribusiness Incubator Without Walls Program