New
York Farm Bureau kicked off National Ag Month, a first for New York,
with a celebratory brunch March 1 in Elbridge, Onondaga County.
Agricultural leaders
from across the state came together for the exciting event that
recognizes all of agriculture and what it means to farm families, rural
communities and consumers across the state.
Since 1973, New York has traditionally recognized National Ag Day, which is March 20, 2018. But there are too many great things happening in food and farming in
New York to limit the acknowledgement to just one day.
New York Farm
Bureau invited a diverse group of leaders representing different
commodities and organizations to join in on the festivities at the
Bailiwick Market and Café owned by the Hourigan family whose dairy farm
is nearby.
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher welcomed everyone
and highlighted the strength and diversity of agriculture in New York.
“It
is exciting to have a full month to celebrate all that is great about
New York agriculture. Our farms generate $5 billion in farm sales and
create nearly 200,000 jobs on and off the farm in the state," Fisher said.
"At a time
when many farm families are struggling with low commodity and milk
prices, it is more important than ever for the agricultural community to
come together to support each other in these tough times while
recognizing there is still much to be proud of in New York agriculture," he said.
"New York Farm Bureau salutes all of the hard working men and women who
carry on the strong agricultural tradition in this state.”
In
addition, the commissioner of state Department of Agriculture
and Markets, Richard Ball, and Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair,
Bill Magee, took part in the program providing remarks to the dozens of
attendees.
Magee also read a resolution that he sponsored jointly in the
legislature with the Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Patty Ritchie.
Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, also sent his regards to the attendees who
came to his district for the event.
“Agriculture
has a vibrant history in New York and continues to be a major
contributor to our economy, the preservation of our natural landscapes
and our food supply,” said Ball. “One day each year is not enough to acknowledge the tremendous
contributions of the industry. I am thrilled to join New York Farm
Bureau as we extend the celebration all month long and give our
hardworking farmers the recognition they deserve.”
“National Agriculture Month honors the men and women of our state who
work long hours in the fields and barns, producing quality food and
fiber. I’m grateful for all that farm families do to make our state a
great place to live,” said Magee.
New
York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Chair, Phyllis Couture,
emceed the brunch celebration and recognized her committee for their
year round dedication to educating the public about farming.
