The New York State Senate Budget proposal includes $500,000 for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program that conducts innovative research, best management practices outreach, and technical assistance projects in the state\u2019s six northernmost counties: St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Essex, and Clinton.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, the steering committee of North Country farmers from across the region, and the farm businesses we serve are pleased to see the Senate budget that recognizes how critical agriculture is to the Northern New York economy and to the state economy,\u201d said NNYADP Co-Chair Jon Greenwood, a dairy farmer in St. Lawrence County.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe New York State Senate funding of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program has provided the means for farmers to access the best academic and field research expertise to solve problems such as alfalfa snout beetle, to develop new farm-based enterprises such as bioenergy crops, and to enhance our agricultural environmental stewardship through precision targeting of nutrients, fertilizer and manure resources,\u201d said NNYADP Co-Chair Joe Giroux, a dairy farmer in Clinton County.<\/p>\n
The NNYADP received $500,000 in the last approved Senate and state budgets.<\/p>\n
New York State Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie recently announced the $5.2 billon Grown in New York plan designed to strengthen the state\u2019s agricultural industry by expanding markets for New York-grown products.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgriculture is New York\u2019s leading industry. Over the past two years, we have worked to restore budget cuts to vital marketing, research and educational program. including the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, that farmers depend on to strengthen their farm business bottom lines,\u201d Ritchie said.<\/p>\n