Schumer Says Farm Bill Deal Good For New York Farmers

New York Sen. Charles Schumer says it’s “a good day” for upstate New York farmers now that there is a deal in the House of Representatives and Senate for a Farm Bill.

Congress is expected to begin voting on the bill later today. The five year farm bill, agreed upon in committees on Monday, reduces crop subsidies and increases crop insurance.

Farm Bills were first written during the Great Depression. This latest one took two years of negotiation.

Schumer, a Democrat, says the bill is especially good for small dairy farmers and maple sugar tappers in New York.

Sen. Charles Schumer

"There will be grants to help them expand, particularly if they’re a smaller farmer," he said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday.

"There will be rural development grants that will allow the initial costs of expanding, you to get some grants and loans to make that happen."

The Farm Bill will also keep down the price of a gallon of milk.