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North Country Assemblywoman Russell to 'call on state to renew and expand its commitment to farmers'

Posted 3/9/15

After meeting with St. Lawrence County farm advocates, North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says she is “calling on the state to renew and expand on its commitment to farmers …

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North Country Assemblywoman Russell to 'call on state to renew and expand its commitment to farmers'

Posted

After meeting with St. Lawrence County farm advocates, North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says she is “calling on the state to renew and expand on its commitment to farmers and their communities.” Recently appointed chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy, Russell says she's looking forward to using her new position to be a stronger advocate on behalf of North Country farms.

To strengthen the industry, Russell says she is calling for restorations to programs that have been cut in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s proposed budget, programs that have been important resources for years. Many of these programs targeted for cuts have traditionally supported research that has kept New York at the forefront of agriculture productivity and stewardship. Others provide for professional services to assure the financial viability of our farms that are at the mercy of national pricing systems, making it one of the most challenging business climates, according to Russell.

“In communities across the North Country, farms and agribusiness are the cornerstone of the economy,” she said. “It's one of my top priorities this year to ensure our farmers are supported by the state.”

Recently, Russell met with representatives from the St. Lawrence and Jefferson County chapters of the New York State Farm Bureau to talk about the issues facing North Country farmers.

During the meeting, Russell was named a member of the Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends” in recognition of her strong support for the state's agricultural industry, according to Russell.

She says she supports policies that enhance the use of local products, especially from area farms, by hosting local businesses events, facilitating improvements to support farm-to-school initiatives, supporting local fairs and pushing to strengthen the Future Farmers of America program.

“Farming has always been a family business, and in today's world it is important for us to ensure future farmers have the training they need to carry on in the field they love,” Russell said.

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District, the so-called “River District.” It includes all St. Lawrence River communities between Massena and Hammond, extending into parts of northern and southern Jefferson County, including Watertown.