Syracuse, N.Y. -- An animal rights group is calling on the state to rescind its promised $90,000 subsidy to keep the price of a cup of milk at the New York State Fair to 25 cents.

"The dairy industry in New York and across the U.S. has received decades of unwarranted government support, and the health of our nation has suffered as a result," wrote Gene Baur, president of Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "If you are interested in supporting agriculture, please promote fruits, vegetables and other healthy plant foods."

A 7-ounce cup of milk at the state fair's milk bar has been 25 cents since 1983. This year, the nonprofit group that runs the milk bar planned to raise the price to 50 cents. But the day after Syracuse.com published a story about the increase, Cuomo announced the state would use $90,000 of state fair revenues to subsidize the milk bar and keep the price at a quarter.

Cuomo said he wanted to promote the fair, which is undergoing a $50 million renovation paid for by the state.

The sanctuary, whose mission is, in part, ""to protect farm animals from cruelty," said studies have shown milk is not as wholesome as its image portrays. Baur said a recent study found that subsidized food, including dairy, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

"Cow's milk is best suited for baby cows, not human beings," Baur wrote. "Along with lactose intolerance, which affects millions of Americans, consuming dairy products contributes to other human health problems."

Farm Sanctuary letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo

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