Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today announced that he was reappointed as ranking minority member on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. Blankenbush has held the position since taking office, which allows him to advocate for the small family farms in his district and throughout the state.

“I am honored to continue my work as ranking minority member on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, ensuring that this important economic industry and the farming families of my district are well represented,” said Blankenbush. “Agriculture will play an integral part in reviving our economy, and it is important to keep it diverse and resilient. This year, I will work to ensure that New York continues investing in this valuable industry and that our state laws benefit and support the hard work of family farmers. Agriculture is a source of great pride for our communities, and I will work to ensure that it is a source of great prosperity for this state.”

Blankenbush played an instrumental role in protecting the interests of family farmers and agri-business, the largest industry in the North Country and the Mohawk Valley. He successfully blocked cuts that were proposed by the governor. Over the last two budget years, he ensured that over $21 million was invested in family farms annually. Additionally, he twice saved the $500,000 Northern New York Agricultural Development program from losing funding. For his diligent work, Blankenbush has been named to the New York State Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends for three years in a row.

Blankenbush is awaiting the details of the governor’s proposed Food-to-Table Agricultural Summit. Expanding agricultural markets is always welcome, but he emphasizes the need to lower the costs family farmers face in New York.