Priority Issue 2008

Agriculture: The State Budget

The agricultural industry relies heavily on the research and extension services of our State University Colleges; as well as funding for several line item programs that benefit both farmers and consumers.    Agriculture in New York is the primary economic engine of most Upstate counties and is critical to Long Island’s Suffolk County.  New York farms grow the food that we need, and also keep valuable farmland as open space while bringing important economic benefits such as jobs, tax revenue, and economic stimulus to other small businesses.

New York agriculture relies upon the higher educational programs, provided by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and SUNY Alfred, Cobleskill and Morrisville, to ensure that our farmers have the competitive advantage needed to survive in an increasingly global marketplace.  The tools developed through practical research, primarily conducted by Cornell scientists, such as new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and new management practices for appropriate soil and water conservation measures, will help our farmers gain a competitive edge against farmers in other states and nations with lower costs of doing business. The NY Farm Viability Institute is rapidly building on its initial successes in encouraging farmer driven applied research and entrepreneurship, making sure that farmland is preserved by addressing key profitability issues.  Additionally, successful marketing programs, for  programs offered by the the NY Apple Association and the NY Wine and Grape Foundation are critical in connecting with consumers and retaining and building upon successful direct marketing initiatives.  These programs should be continued and enhanced to ensure NY foods find their way to NY forks.  Similarly, efforts should be made to increase marketing access for all commodities to vital urban markets in greater metropolitan New York.

The New York State budget is large and deals with many critical programs and services for all citizens but it should also include recognition of the key commodity needs that exist for the differing sectors of agriculture. 

 Recommendations:
· Support maintaining and increasing funding for traditional “line item” programs, including but
   not limited to NY FarmNet, Pro-Dairy, Apple Association, Wine and Grape Foundation,
   Maple Association, Seed Lab, Agriculture in the Classroom, Agri-Business Child
   Development, etc.
· Support maintaining funding for the Farm Viability Institute and Center for Dairy Excellence.
· Support the use of 224-b funding, through the State Education Department, to fully fund
   County Cooperative Extension agricultural programming.
· Ensure core funding for the land grant College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, agricultural
   extension activities, and the technical colleges at SUNY Alfred, Cobleskill and Morrisville. 
· Continue initiatives to increase market access in New York City.
· Continue current research and eradication program for the alfalfa snout beetle, golden
   nematode and phytophthora. 
· Continue current indemnification program for plum pox virus and other invasive species.
· Pursue cost sharing assistance for deer and wildlife management options.
   Pursue capital projects funding for the rehabilitation of Stocking Hall at Cornell University’s
   College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and an Equine Rehabilitation Center at SUNY
   Morrisville.