Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, who is the ranking Minority member on the Assembly Agriculture Committee, today announced a series of agriculture listening forums that he will be hosting later this month throughout the 122nd district. The purpose of these meetings is to seek farmers’ and agribusiness’ input regarding the most critical issues and concerns in the agricultural industry. Assemblyman Blankenbush also is timing these meetings to coincide with state budget negotiations.

“This year’s budget process is going to be difficult. No program is safe and, therefore, we are going to have to fight for every dollar for Northern New York, including funding for important agriculture programs,” said Blankenbush. “I need to know what farmers’ priorities are and how we can convince downstate Albany lawmakers, many of whom have never been on a farm, that agriculture funding is an investment in economic development, and not simply spending.”

Assemblyman Blankenbush also is seeking input on other state legislative issues related to agriculture, including environmental and labor regulations.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, February 23rd, 10 am, Lewis County Cooperative Extension, 5274 Outer Stowe St., Lowville.
• Thursday, February 24th, 10 am, Madrid Hepburn Library, 11 Church St., Madrid.
• Thursday, February 24th, 3 pm, Belleville Fire Department, 7981 State Route 289, Belleville.

Senator Patty Ritchie, who is Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, also has been invited to attend the forums.