CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

The 2008-2009 Enacted State Budget sent a message to New York farmers that their needs are a priority for lawmakers in Albany. The Budget includes:

* The largest Environmental Protection Fund package ever to preserve irreplaceable farmland, protect water resources, and fight invasive species.
* $30 million for farmland protection and $13 million for agricultural non-point source pollution control.
* $9 million for the Agri-Business Child Development Program and nearly 100 percent increases for the Economic Development and Farmland Viability grants program and Farm Family Assistance.
* An unprecedented $40 million for the Upstate Agricultural Economic Development Fund.

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