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New York Counties Create Blue Ribbon Task Force on Farming
February 17, 2010
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has announced the creation of a new Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of New York Farming in New York State.
The announcement was made by NYSAC President and Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli at the business meeting during NYSAC’s Legislative Conference in Albany on February 10, 2010.
Recognizing the plight of our hard working farm community, the Association of Counties has convened this task force to address the challenges facing New York farmers. In particular, the task force will examine pending legislation affecting farm operations in Albany and Washington, D.C.
“Agriculture remains the number one industry in New York, but this ranking is in jeopardy as the farm industry in New York faces unprecedented challenges from every direction,” said Santulli. “This task force will bring together county leaders, many of whom are farmers, to address these challenges and preserve this industry for our future generations.”
County leaders serving on this Blue Ribbon Task Force include:
- Hon. Doug Berwanger, Wyoming County, Chair
- Hon. Robert Nichols, Steuben County
- Hon. John Becker, Madison County
- Hon. Alan Grattidge, Saratoga County
- Hon. Barbara Brown, Oswego County
- Hon. Terry Wilbur, Oswego County
- Hon. Amy Tresidder, Oswego County
- Hon. Stephen Keblish, Herkimer County
- Hon. Joseph Gozelski, Wyoming County
- Hon. Jim Brick, Wyoming County
- Hon. Ted Hopkins, Allegany County
- Hon. Esther Ledley, Genesee County
- Hon. Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee
- Hon. Mike Hein, Ulster County Executive
- Hon. Greg Edwards, Chautauqua County Executive
- Hon. James Eisel, Delaware County
- Hon. Richard Decker, Chenango County
“Our county leaders understand that we have a responsibility to preserve and protect the farming industry in New York State, and they have stepped up to support and serve on this task force,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
NYSAC is accepting nominations from additional county officials interested in serving on the Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Farming in New York State.
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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