2007 Farm Bill  

The development of the 2007 Farm Bill will have wide-ranging implications for New York farmers.  Agriculture organizations as well as nutrition and social service organizations will be working to ensure that their priorities are included into the development of the 2007 Farm Bill.  Factors that could influence language in a final package include the WTO negotiations and possible changes in current commodity programs (including dairy), federal fiscal constraints as budget deficit reduction plans are promoted and greater inclusion of more favorable specialty crop provisions.  We must provide direction in the process to:

Recommendations:

·       Make sure that the development of final Farm Bill language reflects the nationwide importance of New York’s significant and broad ranging agriculture production, and provides our producers with an equitable share of the Farm Bill commodity programs, “green” payments, research, and other programs within the farm bill titles.

·       Ensure that all New York agriculture commodities including dairy, specialty crop, and “traditional” commodities have input into the final bill.

·       Provide a balanced approach between commodity and “green” payments.

• Secure additional federal dollars to New York through EQIP, and other conservation programs

• Encourage the USDA to continue and expand purchases of fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products for the school lunch program.

• Secure adequate funding for FSA and NRCS staffing and programming and increased funding for FSA guaranteed loan program.

Support the continuation of Centers for Agricultural Innovation funding to fully establish the Farmland Viability Institute as an annual, viable, tool to assist New York producers in developing their farm businesses