Owens gets NFU endorsement

U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has been endorsed by the National Farmers Union in his bid to win a new term in New York's 21st Congressional District.

The endorsement letter says the NFU "seeks to support candidates for federal office who committed themselves to addressing and meeting the public policy needs of family farmers, ranchers and communities in which they live," according to a press release issued by Owens for Congress.

"In New York, strong farms mean a strong local economy," Owens said in a prepared statement. "I am honored to have the endorsement of the National Farmers Union, and will continue fighting to ensure farmers have the support they need to succeed and grow their operations."

Owens is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and has repeatedly called for House leaders to put the 2012 farm bill to the floor for a vote. His chief rival, Watertown businessman Matt Doheny, has also called for passage of the bill.