Farm Bill Passed by House Includes Provisions Critical to Northern and Central New York
Washington,
May 14, 2008 -
Congressman John M. McHugh (R- Pierrepont Manor) released the following statement today after passage of H.R. 2419, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008:
“I was pleased to support the Farm Bill that the House passed today, which contained a number of provisions that would benefit the Congressional District. The final bill, the result of a conference agreement between the House and Senate, would provide needed economic assistance to farmers and help spur economic development in our region.
“I cannot overstate the importance of dairy farming to the economy of New York’s 23rd Congressional District, with almost 2,000 dairy farms in the counties that comprise the district according to the 2002 Census of Agriculture. The conference report extends and expands the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program, continues the Dairy Price Support and Dairy Indemnity Programs, and reauthorizes the Dairy Export Incentive Program – four programs critical to keeping New York’s dairy farms economically stable and viable.
“Additionally, this farm bill includes a provision to create a Northern Border Regional Commission, which would invest in projects that benefit the economy of our region, especially economically distressed communities. I have worked to develop this Commission for over two years because I believe it will be a significant instrument in propelling economic development in many localities that badly need aid. Each of the eleven counties I represent would be eligible for assistance under this program. Moreover, the bill includes grants and guaranteed loans for broadband development to spur business growth across many of our rural communities.
“Overall, this farm bill provides significant assistance and benefits to farmers and residents of the 23rd District.”
Additionally, the farm bill authorizes the following provisions that will benefit Northern and Central New York:
- $466 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- $10 million annually for efforts to address Colony Collapse Disorder in honey bees
- $1.19 billion for the Emergency Food Assistance Program
- Tax incentives for agricultural businesses to enhance chemical security
- Increases the amount available for direct loans to farmers
- $120 million to fund pending rural infrastructure programs of importance which have proven to be very valuable to many communities in Central and Northern New York
Now that the House has passed the Farm Bill, the legislation will go to the Senate for final passage. After the Senate approves the bill, the legislation will be sent to the President for his approval.
