Over the last decade, New York State farmland decreased in size to less than 24 percent of our state’s overall landscape. With 2,000 farms no longer in business, and more closing their doors every day, the landscape of our state is forever changing.

Despite these tough times, our state’s farmers continue to provide fresh, nutritious foods for our children and families as well as jobs to 1.5 million rural New Yorkers, especially here in Western New York. That’s why Steve Hawley fought to keep this industry #1 by:

• Calling on Governor Paterson and our federal representatives to immediately use stimulus monies, if legal, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for an emergency appropriation for dairy farmers, as well as calling on the Governor to increase Milk Income Loss Contract program funding;
• Joining with the NY Farm Bureau and farmers across the state to oppose enactment of the “Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act,” dubbed “the Farm Death Bill.” Though this harmful bill was passed in the Assembly, it has not been acted on in the Senate. Steve Hawley led the debate against this bill;
• Bringing to the floor legislation to preserve farmland: both A.6686 and A.6687 were passed in the Assembly to increase state assistance for farmland protection and help communities balance development with preservation of farms;
• Helping increase marketing for farmers by expanding existing state marketing programs and developing new ones, such as the Wood Products Development Council and the Urban or Regional Farmers’ Market Construction Program;
• Doubling the payment to farmers through the state’s Milk Producers’ Security Fund to 15 percent (signed into law);
• Opposing the numerous fee and tax increases contained in the Enacted 2009-10 State Budget, including doubling the biennial licensing fee and food processing fee for food producers and production warehouses.

Farmers and members of the agricultural community in need of financial or administrative assistance should call NY FarmNET. This free service, provided by the state and Cornell Cooperative Extension, offers confidential information services such as answers to legal questions, employment and training opportunities, and financial alternatives.

(800) 547-FARM (3276)                 www.nyfarmnet.org