Assemblywoman Jenne: Federal administration's emergency subsidy plan should help state's struggling dairy farmers hurt by trade wars

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said while there may be some debate about the scope of the federal administration's trade wars she was encouraged by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's announcement Tuesday that a short-term emergency plan has been established to support sectors of the agriculture industry, including dairy farmers. 

Dairy farmers have seen their markets diminish as a result of retailiatory tariffs imposed by some of our country's leading trading partners.

Here is a statement she issued Wednesday:

"It's no secret that our agriculture sector is part of a global system and is struggling even more as a result of steps the federal government has taken to address trade imbalances.

"I have been advocating a short-term plan to keep our dairy industry financially stable, while adopting standards that will open new export markets and giving farmers the incentive to reduce over production.

"I have led efforts to create and grow the farm-to-school program that focuses on funding for schools to purchase directly from farmers.

"Agriculture is one of our state's top economic sectors, trailing only finance, and we need to take bold steps to keep it strong during these tough economic times.

"Now that the federal government has unveiled its plan, it's even more imperative for state agriculture officials to act to ensure our farmers can access those funds and that New York economic development officials act to complement those efforts where they fall short."