SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Senator Rachel May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) is pleased to announce the FY23 budget presents major investments in new benefits and programs that will greatly benefit New York famers.
The budget creates an overtime tax credit to help farmers retain their workers, doubles the workforce retention tax credit, and includes an investment tax credit for farmers to make improvements in equipment and property. There is also the continuation of critical investment in agricultural research, and new investments in beginning farmers including socially and economically disadvantaged farmers.
The budget also significantly expands the state’s investment in climate-resilient farming. This includes $16.75 million for the Climate Resilient Farming Program, a competitive grant program to make farms more climate-friendly by improving agricultural waste storage, on-farm water management, and soil health systems. This also includes $5 million for Cornell University to conduct water management research and other climate-friendly farming practices and to provide education to farmers about such programs.
“It’s critically important we support our farmers and I’m pleased we were able to secure these major investments to help ensure New York’s agriculture and food systems sector stays viable and strong well into the future,” Sen. May said.
Agriculture and Food Systems Investment Numbers:
Restores $4.3 million in statewide agricultural programs
Adds $4.5 million for socially and economically disadvantaged farmers
Adds $1 million for beginning farmers
$5 million for meat processing facilities
$5 million for local fairs
$4 million for grow NY
$8 million for animal shelters (an additional $3 million above executive proposal)
$400,000 for Farmnet
–The Office of Senator Rachel May