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GOVERNOR SPITZER ADDRESSES THE 176TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Highlights Agriculture as a Major Force to Help Revitalize the Upstate Economy

Governor Eliot Spitzer today addressed members of the New York State Agricultural Society at their 176th Annual Meeting and Agricultural Forum, where he elaborated on initiatives from his State of the State address that will impact farmers and New York’s rural communities.

“During my address Wednesday, I outlined an aggressive strategy to help get New York back on its feet, and we are looking to agriculture to be one of the main economic forces behind the revitalization of the Upstate economy,” said Governor Spitzer. “We are going to be investing in rural communities and agri-businesses, and building upon the foundation we laid last year with a significant infusion of economic development capital. If we are successful in working together, we will leave our farms and our state stronger for our children and grandchildren.”

During his State of the State address on Wednesday, the Governor proposed a $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund, which will invest in a variety of economic development projects, many of which are designed to boost Upstate's agricultural sector. These include a 200-acre agricultural manufacturing park in Genesee County, a new organic produce center in Yates County, and the expansion of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva.

Governor Spitzer placed Upstate revitalization front and center in his State of the State remarks, emphasizing the need to reduce the cost of doing business, cap property taxes, and establish affordable, high-speed broadband Internet access. He also highlighted workers’ compensation reforms that were achieved last year, saving New York businesses $1 billion by slashing premiums while raising the benefits for injured workers.

The appointment of Patrick Hooker to serve as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets was announced during last year’s Agricultural Society meeting. At the meeting this year, Commissioner Hooker will give his first official State of New York Agriculture address, which will recap the accomplishments of 2007 and identify some of the challenges the State’s agriculture industry faces in the months and years ahead.

The Agricultural Society meeting focused on alternative energy sources. The Governor spoke about the progress the State has made on the renewable energy: over the past year, the State has funded 20 new renewable energy projects, which will produce 862 megawatts (MW) of new wind, biomass and re-powered hydroelectricity generation. The Governor vowed to continue to make significant investments in clean, renewable energy that will benefit New York’s farmers economically.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said: “The Governor is committed to helping farmers, agribusinesses and the entire rural, upstate community. As an industry, we will prosper from Governor Spitzer’s energy and integrity as he works on our behalf to make New York a better place for all of us to live, work and raise a family. I am excited with the initiatives he has outlined in his State of the State address and look forward to working with him and the agricultural industry to help this industry thrive in 2008.”

Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee said: “Agriculture is at an exciting crossroads as we look to produce value-added products, diversify farms and expand markets for our locally grown and produced agri-goodies. We all must recognize that agriculture is one of the largest industries in this state and that we must ensure that it is invested in, and I appreciate the Governor's support. There are endless possibilities for the agriculture industry in processing, renewable energy and value-added marketing.”

Senate Agriculture Chair Senator Catharine M. Young said: “Farming built Upstate’s economy, and now agriculture can be the engine for revitalization. Investing in agribusiness is the way to go.”

Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine said: “As a lifelong farmer, I have always worked to protect family farms and promote the rural economy. I am pleased to see the Governor’s focus on agriculture as a driver in the Upstate economy. I am also encouraged that this event is focused on agriculture-based energy, an area offering great opportunity for growth in rural New York.”

Senator David Valesky said: “I am pleased the Governor is here in Central New York today to highlight the importance of agriculture in today’s economy. I look forward to continue working with Governor Spitzer and Commissioner Hooker as we address the many challenges facing our farms today.”

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said: “Being a lifelong resident of Upstate New York as well as a former dairy farmer I am committed to ensuring that farmers throughout Upstate New York have the opportunity they need to grow and prosper. The governor’s plan for a $1 billion dollar revitalization fund for Upstate could do just that. Agriculture is currently the largest industry in the state, and with the technological advancements in alternative energy it will establish an even stronger position in the future. As a community we need to take advantage of available farm funding so we can increase production along with our bottom line. By capitalizing on these developments, we as an agricultural community can thrive.”

Farmers in New York experienced a good growing season in 2007 coupled with strong commodity processing. In addition, dairy farmers benefited from $30 million in State emergency assistance for low milk prices they received in 2006. The farm community also will benefit from the formation of the Food Policy Council, strengthening the farmland protection program and the advancements made in creating the Pride of New York Wholesale Farmers’ Market that will connect upstate farmers with downstate consumers.

In his speech, the Governor remarked that New York’s agricultural sector is "poised for tremendous growth." New York is a productive state with good land, ample demand for home grown products, such as wine, cheese and organic produce, and untapped potential to bring in food processing facilities to New York, which will only further accelerate the demand for products.

Agriculture is a $3 billion industry in New York that encompasses 25 percent of the State’s landscape with 35,000 farms totaling 7.5 million acres.

The New York State Agricultural Society was organized in 1832 to foster, promote and improve the New York State food and agriculture industry through education, leadership development and recognition programs. In doing so, they have been successful in establishing the New York State Fair and played an instrumental role in creating the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell.