More than ever before, New Yorkers need to tell 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 and give consumers access to local foods, 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. 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 New York’s budget woes than slashing programs that invest in a farm and food system that strengthens the economy, feeds people and protects the environment. New Yorkers can make a statement about farm and food priorities by: 

• Sending a message to state leaders. 
• Joining the No Farms No Food Rally on March 15^th at the State Capitol in Albany.
• Asking local government, growers association, or other organizations to sign on as a supporter of the No Farms, No Food agenda.

For more information and sign on materials, go to www.farmland.org/newyork, e mail newyork@farmland.org or call (518) 581-0078. About the Author:  David Haight is New York Director of American Farmland Trust.