Healthy soil and sustainable growing

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Governor Paterson Announces Executive Order to Promote Sustainable Local Farms
    * by New York State Office of the Governor
http://readme.readmedia.com/Governor-Paterson-Announces-Executive-Order-to-Promote-Sustainable-Local-Farms/1797184%20%3Chttp://readme.readmedia.com/Governor-Paterson-Announces-Executive-Order-to-Promote-Sustainable-Local-Farms/1797184?utm_source=newswire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=media_pr_emails

   "Maintaining agriculture helps ensure healthier soil and cleaner 
waterways, and aids in the absorption of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 
gasses. State agencies are directed to consider these issues when reviewing 
and revising policies relevant to the purchase of agricultural products."


ALBANY, NY (12/15/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today 
announced that he has signed Executive Order No. 39, establishing State 
policies for the promotion of sustainable local farms and the protection of 
agricultural lands. Currently, there are seven million acres devoted to 
agriculture throughout the State, and New York's 36,000 family farms generate 
$4.4 billion in annual sales.

"The protection of New York's agricultural lands is a fundamental principle 
enshrined in our State Constitution and has been a priority of my 
Administration," Governor Paterson said. "Agriculture is a bedrock of New 
York's economy and this Executive Order will set forth provisions to aid in 
the protection of agricultural lands for our State's long-term economic and 
environmental prosperity."

Maintaining agriculture helps ensure healthier soil and cleaner waterways, 
and aids in the absorption of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. 
State agencies are directed to consider these issues when reviewing and 
revising policies relevant to the purchase of agricultural products. The 
Executive Order also designates the first week in October as "Agriculture 
Week," during which individuals, restaurants, institutions and markets are 
encouraged to celebrate the benefits of New York's fresh and nutritious food 
products, and of agricultural land as a vital natural resource.

Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Patrick Hooker said: "I am 
very excited that the Governor is continuing his strong support for New 
York's hard working family farmers. As the original guardians of the 
landscape, agriculture in New York will continue to provide fresh, safe, 
healthy food for New Yorkers and the world at large. This is a most 
worthwhile initiative."

Frederic C. Rich, Chair of Scenic Hudson and Head of the New York State 
Environmental Leaders Group, said: "We are all delighted with the Governor's 
action. Never before has the public, both urban and rural, been so aware of 
the importance of healthy local food, and of the need to protect New York 
State's ever-shrinking base of farm land. His Executive Order makes clear 
that a commitment to sustainable farming in New York is not optional -- it is 
mandated by the Constitution and the law. We applaud and thank the Governor 
for this important Order."

Robert Morgenthau, Former Manhattan District Attorney, said: "The order is 
extremely important and significant. It should be a great economic benefit to 
the farmers of New York State, and the Governor is to be congratulated on 
taking this major step toward supporting sustainable agriculture. New York 
State will continue as a leader in extending the benefits of agriculture to 
all of its citizens."