Funding allocated to agriculture programs in the 2013-14 budget proposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was lauded by state Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

Mrs. Ritchie praised a $40,000 new program designed to assist craft breweries by increasing the availability of locally grown hops, which should benefit designated farm breweries in the north country. The governor’s “Taste NY” initiative, which will create duty-free stores to sell local beer and wine, should also help local wineries and breweries.

Other agriculture programs funded in the governor’s 2013 budget follow: Pro Dairy, $822,000; FreshConnect Farmers Market Program, $450,000; Farm Viability Institute, $400,000; Farm Family Assistance, $384,000; New York Wine and Grape Foundation, $713,000; Apple Growers Association, $206,000; Future Farmers of America, $192,000; and Cornell University Rabies Program, $50,000.

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