No Farms No Food Rally in Albany, March 15th

More than ever before, we need to tell our state leaders why they have to invest in New York’s farm and food system.  Severe and disproportionate cuts to New York’s food, environment and agricultural programs have been proposed in Governor Paterson’s 2010-2011 State Budget. 

Some proposed cuts eliminate programs that help farmers make a good living, such as the Farmers Market Grants program and the New York Farm Viability Institute. Other programs have been slashed. The Farmland Protection Program, the premier state program for protecting irreplaceable farmland from development, may be shut down for at least two years.  Meanwhile, the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps provide nutritious food to food pantries, is being cut by $1 million. 

These cuts are not inevitable! Current funding for farms and food represent far less than one percent of the state’s $130 billion budget. There are other solutions to our budget woes than slashing programs that invest in a farm and food system which strengthens the economy, feeds people and protects the environment. 

Make a statement about your food priorities.  Send a message to state leaders.  Join the No Farms No Food Rally on March 15th at the State Capitol in Albany. Ask your local farmers market, community garden, coop or other organizations to sign on as a supporter of the No Farms, No Food agenda.

For more information or to take action, go to American Farmland Trust’s New York website at www.farmland.org/newyork, e-mail newyork@farmland.org or call (518) 581-0078.