Published: October 29, 2009 02:29 pm      

Farm bureau plans for 2010

Orleans County focusing on environmental quality

ALBION — The Farm Bureau highlighted this year’s accomplishments at its 54th annual meeting Wednesday.

Dan Schuth of Orleans County Soil and Water said regional partnerships have helped.

“We continue to share equipment with the county and town

agencies,” he said. “It’s a good relationship with them.”

There were a number of agricultural chemical mixing facilities created in the county this year, which give farmers a place to mix chemicals on concrete slabs to minimize the possibility of a chemical spill. There were also 61 farms that received soil tests and reports, Schuth said.

Schuth said he recently met with the county Legislature and broke down how much money the department brings into the county. He said this year, the department brought $29.13 into the county for every $1 spent.

He also said that in 2010 the state will be borrowing money from the Environmental Protection Agency for Great Lakes restoration projects.

“We will be in on the advantage,” Schuth explained.

The project appears to have been delayed due to the nation’s health care situation.

“We’re expecting to see a continued focus on improving water quality (next year)”, he said. Grass waterways, filter strips and sprayers are all areas of interest.

The farm bureau passed several resolutions at its meeting. The first was a local resolution authorizing the board of directors to recommend to the county Legislature that it enact a countywide right-to-farm law, which would enable farmers to go about their work without worrying about bringing on lawsuits from inconvenienced neighbors.

One of the state resolutions passed opposes the state tax filing fees. It also states that if the fees are going to be charged, then they should be based on net income, as opposed to gross income.

Another resolution supports the expansion of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition program and the Women, Infants and Children program to include fresh-market outlets and roadside stands.

Also at the meeting, President William Eich and Vice President James Panek were re-elected to serve another year.

Contact editor Holly Toal at 798-1400, ext. 8225.