Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,Iâ€â€Pulaski) today sent a letter to the Governor, urging him to release $150 million in federal stimulus funding to help New York’s struggling family dairy farmers. Barclay and other lawmakers are urging the Governor to provide assistance in what has been called the most difficult economic conditions in the state’s dairy industry history.
“Dairy farmers have watched milk prices plummet since last June and, subsequently, are being paid prices far below the price of production. Economics predict that fluid milk prices may not increase for another year,†said Barclay. “I am urging the Governor to provide $75 million of the federal stimulus money to assist our dairy farmers this season and provide another $75 million to assist them with next year’s growing season,†added Barclay.
“Providing assistance to our dairy farmers in these tough economic times may keep them afloat while they wait for the market to rebound. If our state delivers assistance to the dairy farmers in their time of need, it may be one of the best uses of the stimulus money thus far,†said Barclay. “I ardently urge the Governor and our state officials to earmark and facilitate this federal money for the farmers, as it will not only greatly help our dairy farmers but will resonate throughout our upstate economy.â€Â
