Mid-Hudson News: Farms in Dutchess feel economic pinch

RED HOOK – Farmers in Dutchess County are feeling the effects of the continued weak economy like all other businesses and many told their tales of woe to the Assembly Minority Agriculture, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Task Force on Friday.

The committee held a hearing at the Migliorelli Farm in Red Hook and heard their concerns that ran the gamut.

Assemblyman Marc Molinaro of Red Hook was among those on the panel. “Because we are in Dutchess County, the MTA payroll tax was a top priority and a concern,” he said after the meeting. Other concerns included “the multiple layers of regulation that make it difficult for farms to continue to success and quite generally, the high cost of doing business that despite the fact that farming is a very unique industry, the State of New York overburdens it as it does every other industry.”

Task force Chairman Assemblyman Clifford Crouch of Guilford said the state must “focus on the support and resources needed” to ensure the continued success of the farming industry.

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2009/October09/24/DC_farms-24Oct09.html