By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-888430.mp3
Albany, NY – Falling milk prices due to the recession have threatened the financial viability of many dairy farms across New York and are hurting the economies of many rural communities, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli released the report, and another on the role of agriculture in New York's economy, at an address to the New York Farm Bureau. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas was in attendance, and files this report.
Hundreds of New York's farmers rallied outside the Capitol in Albany , protesting what they call an "ill-conceived" farm labor bill, and calling on state government to help the struggling industry. Before the rally, the farmers had a breakfast meeting at the nearby State Room, where they broke bread with Comptroller DiNapoli, who brought with him a keen message: "Agriculture is a vital part of New York's economy... dairy farms are a vital piece of New York's agriculture - in many communities, they are the most important part of the local economy. But dairy farming is becoming an endangered species in New York. The lackluster economy is threatening hard-working families and their way of life. We need to make sure generations of toil and enterprise are not lost to this recession. New York needs the dairy industry. And dairy farmers need state and federal support."
The price decline from 2007 to 2009 was the most drastic drop in milk prices ever. Statewide, dairy farms reported losses of $700 million for 2009. These losses are forcing some farmers into foreclosure. In Jefferson County, for example, at least 10 farms have closed since January 2009, resulting in a loss of $27 million in annual income in the county.
Included on the Farm Bureau's lobbying agenda is trying to halt the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act. The Comptroller's reports found most farms in New York State are family-owner operated. Dairy industry losses in communities have a ripple effect, negatively impacting local businesses that provide supplies or services to dairy farms and the property and sales tax base. Because profit margins are so tight, farmers are increasingly supplementing their income by selling or leasing land for wind power or residential development.
The Farm Bureau is also working hard to restore funding to the Department of Agriculture and Markets budget, cut by $7 million in Governor Paterson's executive budget proposal.
The report on the crisis in New York's dairy industry.
The report on the role of agriculture in New York State's economy.