The 2012 Farm Bill working its way through Congress was approved by the House Agriculture Committee with some provisions that would be helpful to northern New York apple growers and maple syrup producers.

Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh), a member of the committee, said the measure, which reauthorizes federal agriculture programs for five years, is a step forward, both in reducing the nation’s federal deficit and in striking a bipartisan compromise with the Senate.

Legislation previously introduced by Owens that would improve access to credit for family farmers was included in the overall that passed early Thursday morning. The Agricultural Credit Expansion Act would expand the range of farm business structures that qualify for loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) “to ensure more New York farmers are eligible for credit during economically challenging times,” Owens said.

His legislation to streamline U.S. apple exports to Canada by exempting bulk shipments from inspection under the Apple Export Act was also included in the bill. This provision would save New York apple growers about $450,000 a year by eliminating what Owens described as an unnecessary fee.

Owens was also successful in amending the bill during committee consideration to include language to increase maple syrup production and promote economic development in New York. The amendment would provide support for private tapping, research, marketing, and education in syrup production. Owens joined Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) last year in introducing similar legislation to boost the New York maple industry.

Owens expressed disappointment that a separate amendment to reauthorize the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) was not accepted by the committee. The NBRC supports economic development in 36 counties in the northeastern United States including St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego, Cayuga, and Seneca counties in New York. The NBRC provides what Owens characterizes as a responsible and efficient investment through a match of $7 of public or private funds to every $1 of federal funds. It has supported several small businesses in the 23rd Congressional District with grants in 2010 and 2011. Owens says he has not given up on the reauthorization of the NBRC, and will continue to work with colleagues in the Northeast to include language to that effect when the Farm Bill comes to the House floor.

“Agriculture has played a foundational role in New York’s economy for generations,” Owens said. “I am pleased Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to send legislation to the House floor that will support specialty crops and dairy in our region, improve program efficiency, and provide farmers and growers the certainty they need to improve our economy and maintain a secure food supply.”