Today, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY-26) spoke on the House floor about the urgent need for a five-year Farm Bill to ensure farmers in Western New York have the certainty and support they require.
"There is no reason that our pleas for help on behalf of our farmers have gone unheeded. We have been asking since early this summer to give farmers the certainty they need to do their jobs to protect our food security, which is linked to our national security," said Rep. Hochul on the House floor. "If anyone thinks a six month extension, kicking the can down the road, is sufficient then I encourage you to visit my dairy farmers -- the McCormicks, the Berwangers, the Nobles, the Zittels -- all people I met over the five week break that were sure we could come together in a bipartisan way. Let's not go home until we take care of our farmers and get the job done right. "
Earlier this week, Rep. Hochul sent a letter to House leadership requesting that the House look past partisan politics in order to pass this important legislation. Rep. Hochul sent a similar letter in July urging the House to pass a Farm Bill before summer recess.
With nearly 3,500 farms and an annual output of over $739 million in the 26th District alone, agriculture is an essential part of Western New York's economy and a key component of Hochul's REBUILD Plan.