Schumer: Farm Bill to Benefit New York Growers

New York Senator Charles Schumer says the bipartisan farm bill being considered in the Senate would bring a major boost to fruit and vegetable farmers who have suffered from flooding and devastating frosts.

He says grant programs and changes to the way farmers purchase insurance will be especially helpful to New York farmers.

Schumer noted that grapes, apples, onions and numerous other specialty crops are a big part of the upstate agricultural economy. They were hit hard by floods last fall and frosts this spring after unseasonable warmth.

Schumer said the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act Block Grant will jump from $55 million to $70 million and funding will be preserved for a program that helps growers access overseas markets.