Barclay, Sen. Cathy Young Host Farmers Roundtable Discussions



WATERTOWN, N.Y., Jan. 24  — Assemblyman Will Barclay and Senator Cathy Young, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, hosted a roundtable meeting today with farmers from Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. During the meeting, Mr. Barclay, Senator Young and farmers engaged in a discussion about local agricultural initiatives, priorities and concerns. 

"Agriculture is the number one industry in New York State, and it is essential that New York State does whatever is necessary to ensure the future of both the industry and the rural communities agriculture supports," said Assemblyman Barclay. "Today's meeting was a good opportunity to hear about what matters most to the farmers of the North Country and the best way New York State can support their way of life." 

"The way to make sure that farming is a real option both today and for future generations is to listen to farmers' concerns and then take action to address them." Senator Young said.

"That's what Assemblyman Barclay and I are committed to doing, and that's why we're here today. This has been a great opportunity to learn more about farming in the North Country, and I thank Will for inviting me up here. Will is going to be a great voice for agriculture in the State Senate." 

During the meeting, Doug Shelmidine, President of the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation (JCADC) Board of Directors, presented the details of JCADC's 5-point plan to grow the industry. Aimed at making Jefferson County's dairy industry stronger and more profitable, the plan will also help meet increased demand for milk from the Great Lakes Cheese expansion. Implementation of the plan will be a team effort of all the agricultural and economic development agencies of Jefferson County.



"Jefferson County was the third leading dairy production county in the state in 2006, following St. Lawrence County at number two. As such, dairy farming is a major economic driver in this region, providing hundreds of jobs on and off the farm. I am pleased to see that county agencies are collaborating and taking a proactive approach to ensuring the industry—and the economy—remains vibrant in the North Country," said Assemblyman Barclay.

Mr. Barclay went on to say, "As Senator, I would strongly advocate for the direction of adequate state resources to support not only Jefferson County's plan to grow the dairy industry, but agriculture, as a whole, statewide."

Earlier this month, Farmers for Barclay, a group of dairy, crop and fruit farmers from across the 48th Senate District announced their support for Mr. Barclay as he runs to fill the vacant Senate seat created by the retirement of Senator Jim Wright.

Last fall, Assemblyman Barclay, along with several other elected officials, successfully petitioned state and federal leaders to keep the US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office open in Oswego County. In 2007, Mr. Barclay voted to provide dairy farmers with $30 million in direct assistance this year. He also voted to cap annual increases of agricultural land assessments at 10% and exempt agricultural buildings from onerous state building codes. In recognition of his efforts on behalf of agriculture, Assemblyman Barclay has been awarded the Farm Bureau Circle of Friends recognition each year he has been in office.

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