Local farm bureau leaders discuss issues of 2006

Western New York Farm Bureau leaders met with Congressman Thomas Reynolds' regional manager, Gregg Merlihan, on January 21 in Batavia, to discuss what local farmers believe are the most important agricultural issues of 2006.

Presidents and vice presidents from Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Monroe, Livingston and Wyoming County Farm Bureaus were present at the meeting, according to a press release. Issues cited as the biggest concerns were immigration and farm labor, the 2007 Farm Bill and free trade.

Attendees included Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau District 2 Director; Bruce Krenning and Dale Root, Orleans County; Paul Bencal, Niagara County; Dale Stein and Ronald "RB" Glazier, Genesee County; James Doan and Kim Zuber, Monroe County; Robert Noble and Allen Galbraith, Livingston County; and Peter Broughton, Wyoming County.

Immigration and farm labor continues to be a major concern. Currently there is a border security bill that, if passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, could drive local fruit and vegetable growers out of operation and severely impact all production agriculture in the area, especially western New York's dairy producers, according to representatives of the group.

The farmers also discussed the 2007 Farm Bill and importance of it supporting more environmentally-friendly practices that follow World Trade Organization standards. This could include providing incentives for farmers who produce corn for use in ethanol production.

Concerns about the health of the country's economy were also stressed. The farmers urged the importance of reviewing all free trade agreement legislation carefully in order to ensure the country's economy and manufacturing base does not lose as a result.

Submitted material

January 29, 2006