Jordan Launches Video Campaign Promoting Pro-Family Farm Agenda

March 20, 2013

Assembly Minority Leader Pro Tem Tony Jordan (R,I,C-Jackson) is launching a new media campaign to promote a pro-agricultural agenda that supports farming families and communities in his district. Agriculture is the largest industry in the state, generating $5.2 billion in economic activity per year.

“In my district, we see a unique symbiotic relationship between our farming communities and the suburbs and small cities where farmers’ markets are very vibrant and the demand for local produce and other products is tremendously high,” said Jordan. “This special understanding that exists in my district must be shared and spread throughout the state, especially here in Albany. I’m hoping that grassroots campaigns like this will help further promote the programs and policies that will help family farms flourish.”

According to the 2007 USDA Agricultural Census, the estimated value of agricultural products sold in Saratoga County is $58 million and in Washington County it’s $82 million. These agricultural operations also have a multiplier effect on the economy; for example, in Washington County, farming generated $213 million in economic activity according to the same study.

Jordan noted that among his chief priorities for supporting the state’s agricultural communities are to lower the costs of operation including property taxes and energy and utility expenses. This will help farmers remain competitive and earn a larger profit for their work. Jordan said there are many opportunities in which New York’s family farms could take the lead in the global market. As demands in developing nations continue to rise, the state’s policies must allow New York’s farmers to capitalize on these opportunities.

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