Gov. Eliot Spitzer recently signed legislation authorizing $30 million in state assistance for our struggling dairy industry. As ranking Democratic member of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Sen. David Valesky was also instrumental in promoting the act; contradicting a popular view that Democrats don't care about rural, agricultural New York.

The program is designed to provide assistance to dairy producers facing the lowest milk prices in 25 years. Coupled with rising energy and operating costs it is estimated that more than 450 farms have closed since January 2006 and the total number of dairy farms hit 6,000 statewide, a historic low. As a majority of farms are family owned, the issue extends beyond the local economy.

Originally from Staten Island, my parents fondly remember the instant generosity of the Southern Cayuga community. They reminisce about a time when a neighbor, Roxanne Reynolds, stopped by the house, introduced herself and gave our family a gallon of milk. I grew up to be best friends with her daughter, who in turn would bring me frozen hamburger when I was in college. The gesture meant a lot.

Investing in New York dairy farming is investing in that same community spirit. Providing aid to struggling dairy farmers will help keep farms in families and families in New York. Farming also preserves rural New York by providing a viable source of industry and income. As the third largest dairy state in the nation, dairy farms contribute nearly $2 billion to the state annually. With more than half of our agricultural receipts coming from dairy sales, one can see why this legislation is crucial.

Under this act each dairy farmer will be compensated 30 to 33 cents per hundred weight of milk produced in 2006, up to 4.8 million pounds. Although this sounds like a substantial break, a milk producer could receive no more than $16,000 to apply toward the unprecedented debt caused by the 2006 farming year.

The legislation signed by Spitzer will provide some relief, but this act does not supply a permanent solution to the problem. The commitment of politicians like Valesky to this and other agricultural problems should be supported and applauded as we seek to improve our overall farm economy. Such initiative also demonstrates that the Democratic Party has tremendous respect for the agricultural contributions of our region. Farmers can find more information by visiting agmkt.state.ny.us or calling (800) 554-4501. Payments are expected to be mailed out as early as May 9.

Estabrook's column appears

Mondays in The Citizen,

and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com