Agriculture is critical to the New York economy, which is why I’m working in Congress to support New York farmers and the related industries that benefit from a strong agriculture sector. Agriculture is not only an economic issue, but also a national security issue – supporting New York’s family farms helps ensure we continue to have access to the safest, most affordable and plentiful supply of food in the world.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will be fighting for New York’s interests as Congress crafts the 2012 Farm Bill.  I am working with my colleagues to protect dairy farmers from devastating price fluctuations, to ensure apple growers and other specialty crop farmers have access to a secure labor supply, and to protect family farms from burdensome regulation. I believe that when we work to reduce regulatory overreach by the federal government, we give small businesses and farms the tools they need to thrive.