CHRIS GIBSON

Contact: Stephanie Valle 202-225-5614

Washington, Oct 3, 2012 - Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-20) received the “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) this week at a dinner in Greene County.  The award was presented by the New York Farm Bureau on behalf of AFBF.

“The ‘Friend of Farm Bureau Award’ is a reflection of Rep. Gibson’s voting record on issues of importance to New York farmers as well as his legislative support and leadership on bills that matter to the hard working farm families in the state,” said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau.

"Rep. Gibson exemplifies the type of legislative service and responsiveness that greatly benefits the farm families of New York," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman.

“I deeply appreciate this honor.  Family farms are the backbone of our rural communities across Upstate New York, and I have been honored to work on their behalf on the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. House.  I will continue my commitment to ensuring we pass a full five year Farm Bill to give local farmers the certainty they need to plan for the future,” said Congressman Gibson.

The “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

This award is based upon voting records on AFBF’s priority issues established by the Board of Directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.