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St. Lawrence County Assembly members make video for agriculture

Posted 3/23/13

Republican Assembly members Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River) and Marc Butler (R-Newport) have collaborated on a video promoting agriculture in New York State, which they hope will “go viral.” The …

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St. Lawrence County Assembly members make video for agriculture

Posted

Republican Assembly members Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River) and Marc Butler (R-Newport) have collaborated on a video promoting agriculture in New York State, which they hope will “go viral.”

The video, made with downstate Republican Assembly members Clifford Crouch and Tony Jordan, aims to promote family farms and an agenda that will support agriculture.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our state’s entire economy and we must give our farming families and communities the attention and support they deserve,” said Blankenbush.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in our state, but is often overlooked as a viable and important part of our economic recovery. I launched this video with my assembly colleagues to raise awareness and gain grassroots support in not only our farming communities, but throughout the state. Together, with the support of New Yorkers, we can push for better policies that help our family farms and job creators.”

As is the case with small mom-and-pop shops, farms are among the largest employers in regions like the North Country and rural parts of the Mohawk Valley, Blankenbush said.

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I-Newport) helped launch video campaign.

He said agriculture represents $5.2 billion in economic activity, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

“I think sometimes people have the wrong perception about agriculture, that it’s stuck in the past and can’t adequately sustain people as a livelihood; but that misconception couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Butler. “In fact, even some of the smallest family farms are employing cutting-edge technology and best farming practices. It’s really an exciting industry that I want to share with the larger public. Getting more and more New Yorkers to support family farms will help us push a pro-agriculture agenda that will benefit the entire state.”