From dairy farms to grape vineyards, agriculture brings in over $1.9 billion to Erie and Chautauqua Counties annually, much of which involves the dairy farms and specialty crops such as apples and grapes for which our region is known.  This integral component of our region's economy is plagued with many issues including high-energy costs and worker shortages, and dairy farms and specialty crops often face additional pressures and tighter profit margins than commodity crops.  To address these issues and ensure that Western New York farmers are treated fairly, Brian was proud to support the Farm Bill Reauthorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives in the fall of 2007.  The Farm bill will help Western New York’s dairy farmers by extending the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program to 2012.  The bill also invests more than $1.5 Billion in priorities to strengthen and support the fruit and vegetable industry, including extending the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program, which helps schools to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.