Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the passage of the Assembly’s “Families First” state budget proposal (E.203). Specifically, the Assembly proposal continues to invest in New York’s thriving agricultural industry and includes $20 million to protect farmland in the Hudson Valley.

“This money is critical to preserving our working farmland in order to allow the next generation of farmers to literally put down roots,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “In the Hudson Valley, agriculture has driven the growth in tourism, food production, the farm-to-table restaurant boom, as well as small businesses that have cropped up to serve these sectors.”

The Assembly budget also restores funding to the following programs:

• NY Apple Growers Association: $544,000;
• NY Wine and Grape Foundation: $250,000;
• Maple Producers Association: $125,000; and
• Local fairs: $160,000.

In recent years, the Assembly has passed new laws to help revitalize agriculture in New York by promoting the beer, wine, cider and distilled spirits industries (Ch. 406 of 2014) and creating a license for farm cideries to expand cider-making opportunities (Ch. 384 of 2013). The Assembly’s budget support for the maple and apple industries has helped increase production and expand sales over the last few years.

“Tourism continues to be a major economic driver in the Hudson Valley,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “People come from all over the world to visit our magnificent parks and natural resources, our fabulous cultural sites and historic homes and our beautiful farms. When people come here they spend money which helps our local businesses and supports job growth.”