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Federal, State Programs Available For Farmers In Need

Farm Assistance - spot

BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - New federal and state initiatives aim to aid New York farmers by redirecting surplus products to those in need.

The latest coronavirus relief package from Washington D.C. includes $19 billion in aid for farmers.

Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) represents nearly 5,000 farms in his district, which spans part of the Southern Tier and Hudson Valley. He said this new funding seeks to help farmers who were left out of the first package.

"Folks who deal in dairy and specialty crops will be provided meaningful support when it comes to price losses," the Congressman said.

According to Delgado, the USDA will spend $100 million per month to purchase goods from farmers and deliver them to food banks and faith-based organizations across the country.

New York is also rerouting surplus goods to food banks. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state will give them funding to purchase excess milk from dairy farmers as part of the "Nourish New York" initiative announced last week.

To aid the process from farm to food bank, the state has partnered with several dairy processors, including Chobani in Chenango County, HP Hood, Upstate Niagara and Dairy Farmers of America.

Food banks are expected to receive funding and begin purchasing this week.