ALBANY – New proposals put forward by State Senator Fred Akshar and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee aim to make farming more viable for new and existing farmers across the state.

Last week, Akshar (R-52nd Senatorial District) unveiled the “Planting Seeds” initiative to continue state investment and support to family farmers and boost the agriculture economy.

Akshar said that Planting Seeds recognizes the economic impact of the state’s agriculture workforce and includes proposals to help the state’s leading industry grow.

“I’m excited about these proposals,” Akshar said. “Over one-third of my district is covered in the farmland of almost 3,000 farms.”

Akshar additionally noted that farming generates more than $14 million in payroll in the 52nd district alone. The district encompasses Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware Counties.

“Before I was elected, I had a wonderful opportunity to travel my district and listen to our farmers, and I’m pleased to say that [the Planting Seeds] plan addresses the issues we heard about – high taxes, the need to support agriculture educators and the need to support new technology,” he said. “I’m pleased to support this plan and pleased to support our hardworking farmers.”

Planting Seeds focuses on areas in agriculture including funding, research, new farmer initiatives and agricultural eduction. Proponents of the plan say it supports thousands of jobs and helps preserve a safe food supply.

Planting Seeds’ initiatives include: