Benjamin Gilman: “I rise to express great disappointment on behalf of our farmers throughout the State of New York and the entire…”

“I rise to express great disappointment on behalf of our farmers throughout the State of New York and the entire northeast region. In my home State of New York, agriculture is the largest industry. With abundant rainfall, productive soil, and proximity to the Nation's largest markets, the outlook for the future of New York's dairy farmers is of great potential. However, as a result of the recent drought, natural disasters, and fluctuating market prices, New York farmers are in dire need of assistance; which is not provided in this legislation. Apple and onion producers in New York State have suffered severe weather conditions in three out of the last four years, including this year's drought. Nevertheless, the USDA has been ineffective in providing needed, equitable crop loss disaster assistance for onion and apple producers. Due to 1998 onion and apple losses in New York State, repeated and intense communications transpired between producers, Congress and the USDA. Over the past few months, communications with the Secretary of the USDA, Dan Glickman, have failed to address most of our producers concerns.”