[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            VOICING THE CONCERNS OF UPSTATE NEW YORK FARMERS

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                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you the concerns of 
farmers from New York's 29th congressional district. On Monday, 
September 17th, 2012 I had the opportunity to host an open discussion 
with my Agricultural Advisory Council which is comprised of farmers 
ranging from dairy and specialty crop growers to wine makers and beef. 
The members of this Council represent all eight counties of the 
district and based on their extensive experience and contributions to 
New York Agriculture, I greatly value their opinions.
  With Agriculture being the largest industry in New York State, any 
legislation which impacts our farmers also has a direct impact on our 
local economy as well as our communities. While all members of this 
Council said that they would prefer a long term Farm Bill over any 
extension, I heard an additional sentiment from the audience. That 
sentiment is a need for stability. This year's setbacks have reminded 
us just how extremely volatile the agricultural industry is and without 
stability today, our farmers cannot accurately plan for tomorrow and 
years to come.
  Western New York dairy farmers are currently dealing with the growing 
Greek yogurt industry in New York State. Without Congressional action, 
provisions critical to the dairy industry will expire, and dairy 
farmers across New York will be faced with skyrocketing feed prices. 
For many of the small family farms in New York this could mean the end 
of their livelihood. While many provisions in the current farm bill 
would remain intact through the end of the year, inaction by Congress 
before September 30th will leave dairy farmers in New York out in the 
cold.
  Other farmers in my district are anxious about the Estate Tax, which 
is set to return to 55 percent in 2013. Mr Speaker, with the value of 
equipment and property, even the smallest farms in New York can be 
appraised at over one million dollars, making them eligible to be 
taxed. Our farmers again need the stability of knowing they can build 
for their family's future and be able to pass down the fruits of their 
labor for their children and grandchildren. We cannot return to the 
days when family farms had to be sold off just to pay the estate taxes.
  Mr. Speaker, our farmers are the backbone of our nation. We need to 
help them stabilize their production costs, stabilize their workforce 
and stabilize their confidence. With a stable agricultural sector we 
can create jobs, and continue to work to improve our economy and 
provide badly-needed career opportunities.

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