Maloney, Neuhaus Announce $100,000 Farm Bill Investment in Orange County

Newburgh, NY – Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) and County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced $100,000 investment to expand and promote local farmers' markets. Supported by Maloney in the 2014 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant will invest in the promotion of 15 farmers’ markets and create a winter and new summer market. 

"Delivering on a historic farm bill was one of my top priorities because it gets results for the hardworking Hudson Valley farmers who create thousands of local jobs, pump hundreds of millions into our economy, and provide healthy fresh food for our schools and families,” said Rep. Maloney. “This Farm Bill investment expands our local farmers' markets, improves access to local foods for my neighbors, creates jobs, and grows our economy for the hardworking farmers, families and small businesses in the Hudson Valley.”

“When you buy from local producers, you support our neighbors, friends, and Orange County businesses,” said County Executive Neuhaus. “Thanks to the close cooperation of our federal partners, I am delighted to announce the development of winter and summer farmers markets that will expand opportunities to access fresh, healthy food from local and regional producers and farmers.”

Through the 2014 Farm Bill, the USDA is awarding over $52 million in federal funding to support the organic industry and local and regional food systems through grant programs. The USDA has awarded over $27 million in competitive grants through the Local Food Marketing Promotion Program (LFPP) and the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The FMPP invests in marketing and promotional activities for farmers markets and other local food producers to increase access to local and regionally produced agricultural products.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Maloney fought to secure key provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill to improve distribution of locally grown food. Specifically, Rep. Maloney supported the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to provide competitive grants to improve direct producer to consumer market opportunities including the development of local food system infrastructure.