The following article is from the February 2007 issue of

Newly elected U.S. Representative Kirsten Gillibrand (D-Hudson, 20^th district) was appointed to the influential House Agriculture Committee in January.

Rep. Gillibrand, who was endorsed by NYLCV for her strong commitment to move the environmental agenda in Washington, represents a district with over 4,000 farms and publicly sought the appointment since her election. Gillibrand will be the keynote speaker at NYLCV's annual Capital District breakfast on April 16.

In a statement released after her appointment, Rep. Gillibrand responded, "The small farms of upstate New York will now have a much needed voice on this committee to ensure that national policies consider the benefits of maintaining small dairy and produce farms in our nation's agriculture base. New York State is one of our nation's top producers of agricultural products, and much of that production is in the 20th Congressional District."

Members of the Agriculture Committee have a major role in establishing farm policy, and this year promises to be a big one. The 2002 Farm Bill is up for renewal, and the ag committee will play a pivotal role in its reauthorization. Some analysts are expecting a major energy package to emerge from the bill's renewal with added dollars being earmarked to promote research and development of biofuels, especially corn-based ethanol, as alternative energy sources. [Click HERE to read New York Times article.]

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- February 2007