The New York Farm Bureau recently recognized Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) for his continued advocacy on behalf of the agricultural community.

“I am honored to be recognized as a true friend of family farms,” said Palmesano. “Agriculture is one of New York State’s most dynamic industries. Since I took office, I have promoted policies to help grow our agricultural sector and support our family farms. I have advocated for fewer regulations and lower taxes in hopes of yielding more jobs and a renewed agricultural prosperity. I will continue that important work during the next legislative session.”

“Assemblyman Palmesano was chosen for his commitment to the hardworking farm families in New York. He has demonstrated that he understands the importance of agriculture in his legislative district, and how farming significantly impacts the economy of this great state,” said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau.

Palmesano was proud to promote a host of productive provisions to bolster family farms during this year’s legislative session. He supported efforts to reform the estate tax to ensure that families can pass down their farms from generation to generation without being forced to sell them due to crippling taxes. This measure was included in the 2014-2015 Enacted New York State Budget.

Additionally, Palmesano was a co-sponsor of the “Craft Act,” a bill with enormous economic implications for the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. It was recently signed into law by the governor. This new law eases regulatory burdens on producers of craft beer, wine and spirits, and eliminated harmful market restrictions.

He also co-sponsored the “Let New York Farm” Act, a beneficial piece of legislation that seeks to enact regulatory reform and lower the taxes levied on family farms. Additionally, Palmesano cosponsored a bill to establish stabilizing farm savings account programs.

The New York Farm Bureau is New York State’s largest farm-advocacy group. The “Circle of Friends” designation is awarded to lawmakers who have demonstrated strong support for agriculture and family farms.