No Farms No Food Rally

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, visit American Farmland Trust or e-mail newyork@farmland.org or call
(518) 581-0078.