Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) was again named to the New York State Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends.” This is the fifth time Blankenbush has been recognized for his efforts to support agriculture and policies that help family farmers.

“In our rural communities, the family farmer is an important driver of economic growth and a source of jobs, and I do everything I can to support them,” said Blankenbush, ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. “I count the hardworking people of the Farm Bureau and the many farmers in my district as partners in making New York friendlier to farmers and agricultural business. Thank you for this honor.”

Blankenbush secured $31 million in investments for state agriculture and markets programs, an increase of $4 million from last year. In addition to investments in the state budget, the legislature improved the Beginning Farmers New York Fund, which provides up to $50,000 to farmers who are seeking to improve agricultural techniques on small farms. Also approved during the legislative session was a program to streamline the land transfer process for new and beginning farmers. This also requires the state to identify lands suitable for farming which the state could sell or lease to beginning farmers.

Not only is agriculture an important source of jobs, roughly 115,000 statewide, it generates $37.6 billion in output and nearly $10 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). A strong agricultural industry has a positive impact on the economy as a whole. A study published by Cornell University found a positive “ripple” effect on the economy, showing that for every $1 in GDP contributed by agriculture, non-agriculture economic activity is multiplied by $1.43.