Albany Watch

Gov. David Paterson said today that the farm bill passed by Congress this week will ensure greater food security, promote renewable energy, improve environmental protection and boost support for specialty crop growers, organic growers and dairy farmers. All but two members of New York’s congressional delegation supported the measure.

The farm bill “carefully balances and positively addresses the priorities of so many different facets of our industry, ranging from specialty and organic crops to conservation and nutrition,” state Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Patrick Hooker said in a statement.

Here are some details of the bill, which President George Bush has said he would veto. There may be enough votes for an override:
—Extends and provides $7.9 billion of new funding for popular conservation programs, including ones that focus on farm and wetlands protection.
—Strengthens the safety net for dairy farms for loss of milk income and purchasing feed in difficult economic times.
—Invests $10.4 billion for food banks and increasing access to food stamps.
—Invests an additional $1 billion in renewable energy research, development and production and changes tax credits for corn ethanol and cellolosic ethanol production to give preference to the latter.
—Spends $1.3 billion for organic agriculture, fruit and vegetable programs and local food networks.