Agriculture

Brian visiting a vineyard in Chautauqua County.

From dairy farms to grape vineyards, agriculture brings in over $1.9 billion to Erie and Chautauqua Counties annually.  The dairy farms and specialty crops, such as apples and grapes, for which our region is known often face additional pressures and tighter profit margins than commodity crops, while they regularly confront issues including high-energy costs and worker shortages. 

Standing Up for Western New York Farmers

To ensure that Western New York farmers are treated fairly, Brian was proud to support the Farm Bill Reauthorization Act, which became law in June 2008.  The Farm bill is helping Western New York's dairy farmers by extending the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program, which sets a floor for payment sot dairy farmers, through 2012.  He also supports policies to promote Western New York’s fruit and vegetable industry, including programs such as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program, which helps schools to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. 

Brian will continue to fight to protect and improve dairy and specialty crops policies, improve conservation programs for working lands, promote access of healthier foods through local food networks and work to expand homegrown renewable energy- all of which are so important to the future of Western New York farms.