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Rep. Tom Reed voted Wednesday in support of a long-term, five-year Farm Bill to reauthorize farm programs supporting agriculture in New York’s 23rd Congressional District. The bill passed the House Wednesday with strong bipartisan support.

“Thanks in no small part to the input from local farmers and the hard work of the committee, I am very pleased to announce Congress came to a bipartisan agreement that cares for the needs of our farmers – the backbone of our economy,” Reed said. “Passage of a long-term plan for farmers is long overdue and it is only fair we provide them with certainty so they can make decisions for their businesses.”

Reed says the Farm Bill is well-suited for the needs of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, pointing to the increased support for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, expanded access to crop insurance to protect farmers against weather and natural disasters, and important reforms to diary programs to ensure support for their industry.

“Not only have we achieved a five-year Farm Bill but we have reformed and consolidated broken and outdated programs, strengthened the priorities of our region and worked toward our goal of reducing the deficit,” Reed continued. “This bill is proof that we can care for farmers across the region and country so they can help grow our economy while saving taxpayer dollars by making effective programs more efficient.”

Mark Nicholson, Co-Owner Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva and Vice Chairman of the U.S. Apple Association said, “Today’s passage of a new five year Farm Bill is a welcome relief to our business and the apple industry as a whole. We are heartened to see a bipartisan solution to issues that have delayed its passage, and appreciate Congressman Reed’s support of its provisions that help our family farm operation be more competitive in a global marketplace.”

“The New York State Wine Grape Growers (NYSWGG) want to express appreciation to Congressman Tom Reed for his support of agriculture and for voting yes on the 2014 Farm Bill,” said Charlene Ryder on behalf of the NYSWGG. “Especially important to both juice and wine growers in the 23rd district are their continued ability to purchase affordable crop insurance and restored funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.”

Ashur Terwilliger, New York Farm Bureau District 4 Director and Chemung County Farm Bureau President said, “I want to thank everyone involved, area-Congressman Chris Gibson, Chairman Frank Lucas and Congressman Reed from my district. It was about time that the most important bill before Congress got passed.”

A Senate vote is expected next week. Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees said they hope to see the President sign the bill into law quickly.

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