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Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-21) voted for legislation that will protect Upstate New York’s dairy farmers, which passed the House by a vote of 263-162, in the Agriculture Appropriations Act, H.R. 2997.

The bill helps rural communities hit by the economic crisis. It builds on the success of the Recovery Act with investments in community facilities, housing, water projects and rural businesses – creating opportunities for growth and development in every community.  Responding to the crisis plaguing dairy farmers, the bill also includes aid for farmers who are struggling with historically low prices.  Rep. Tonko also signed onto a letter to Secretary Vilsack to support the $290 million in the bill to go towards assisting dairy farmers. 

“Our rural towns and dairy farmers have been hit especially hard by this economic crisis,” said Rep. Tonko. “With this bill, we will reinvest in rural communities, spurring business growth, supporting new infrastructure and bringing new jobs and hope to our communities.  Stabilizing the dairy industry and the hard working men and women on dairy farms, which serve as the backbone of our local communities, is an important step to ease the pain felt by this crisis.”

The letter to Secretary Vilsack stated: “To best serve these farmers in the immediate, we ask that you release the appropriated funds by November 15th of this year as retroactive payments using the MILC formula to supplement support checks received during previous months in 2009.  Because of familiarity with this program and this concept amongst dairy producers and FSA offices, this would be the most expedient and efficient way of distributing these funds. America needs a strong, diverse dairy industry to feed our nation and keep rural communities alive.  Through USDA assistance and the timely delivery of these appropriated funds for direct payments using this formula, many farmers will see immediate benefits from the actions of the Congress.”

This vote comes less than a week after Rep. Tonko’s meeting with Secretary Vilsack on October 1st, where he encouraged the Secretary to consider the importance that small and medium sized dairy farms play in our local economy and to ensure that they get their fair share of this funding.  Agriculture generates $4 billion for the state’s economy each year.

Once it is passed by the Senate, this legislation will go on to the President’s office to be signed into law.

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