Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that the 2014-15 state budget includes almost $3 million for vital agricultural programs across the Hudson Valley. In addition to this funding, the budget also includes reforms to the 18-a surcharge and the estate tax.

The 2014-15 budget includes funding for the following programs:

• Farm Net: $220,000
• Farm Viability Institute: $1,100,000
• Maple Producers Association: $150,000
• Tractor Rollover Program: $150,000
• New York State Apple Growers Association: $540,000
• New York Christmas Tree Farmers: $120,000
• New Farmers of New York: $620,000

“As a resident of the beautiful Hudson Valley and a member of the Agriculture Committee, I appreciate the impact farming has not only on our local community but on the state as a whole,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Agriculture feeds our families and is a vital economic driver which is why I fought to ensure these programs were included in the final budget.”

The budget also includes a phase-out of the burdensome 18-a utility tax imposed on energy bills. The phase-out has been accelerated and lowers the rates by $200 million for both residential and commercial customers. Additionally, the budget reforms the state’s estate tax by raising the income threshold from $1 million to $5.2 million, which for most farmers is largely in land value.

“Costs continue to rise for families in the Hudson Valley and this budget delivers relief,” said Barrett. “We need to continue to support our farmers and their families.”