The New York State Association of Counties Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Farming in New York State is a group of more than 50 county officials working together to make a positive impact on farming and agriculture in New York State.
Blue Ribbon Task Force Convenes at NYSAC’s 2013 Legislative Conference
The January 2013 Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting was held during NYSAC’s Legislative Conference in Albany. During the lunch meeting, task force members welcomed special guests from the Office of Senator Gallivan, Department of Agriculture and Markets, and New York Farm Bureau. Task force members heard a presentation from Ken Smith of Chenango County Cooperative Extension, entitled “A Statewide Dairy Strategy”.
Discussion items included:
As a result of discussion at the meeting, NYSAC issued a letter to New York’s Congressional Delegation, urging them to enact immigration reforms that create a much needed guest worker program that addresses farm labor needs. Click here for a copy of NYSAC’s letter.
The next meeting of the Blue Ribbon Task Force will take place at Empire Farm Days, Seneca Falls, in August 2013.
NYSAC’s Blue Ribbon Task Force Met on August 9, 2012 at Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls, NY and on September 13, 2012 at NYSAC’s Fall Seminar in Liverpool, NY.
Items for discussion included:
The Next Meeting of the Blue Ribbon Task Force will take place during NYSAC’s 2013 Legislative Seminar in Albany, NY February 4-6 2013. Click here for more information.
Bonduelle Buys Allen’s New York Canning Plants
The Blue Ribbon Task Force is pleased to announce that thousands of acres of vegetables will continue to be grown in the Finger Lakes / Western New York region due to a successful purchase of several Allen’s Canning plants by Bonduelle, a French firm. This development is a major relief for New York’s Vegetable Farmers who for months wondered if there would be a market for their products if Allen’s closed. Click to read the article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
The Task Force has worked to raise awareness of the importance of the Allen’s frozen processing sites after discussion at the Blue Ribbon Task Force meeting in January. The successful operation of the plants in Bergen, Oakfield and Brockport, NY ensures a market for vegetable growers' products throughout the region. The Task Force contacted the Department of Agriculture and Markets to ensure policymakers were aware of the need for a new buyer and the potential impact to New York Farmers. The sale is expected to be completed the end of March. See Bonduelle’s announcement of the acquisition of Allen’s frozen vegetables sites in the US.
Blue Ribbon Task Force Meetings at NYSAC’s 2012 Legislative Conference
The January 2012 Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting was held during NYSAC’s Legislative Conference in Albany. During the lunch meeting, task force members welcomed special guests Senator Gallivan, Assemblyman Magee, Todd Kuznierz on behalf of Senator Ritchie and Bill Ketzer on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
After remarks from each guest, Chairman Berwanger gave a presentation of photos from the Hunts Point Terminal trip and led a roundtable discussion on lessons learned. Following his presentation, the floor was opened for discussion where the following were raised:
Since the meeting, NYSAC’s Blue Ribbon Task Force has taken the following action in response to these issues:
Blue Ribbon Task Force Tours Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market
NYSAC Fall Seminar Features Meeting of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Farming
Blue Ribbon Task Force Convenes at Empire Farm Days
Rensselaer County Farm Tour Heightens Awareness of Issues Facing Local Farms
Blue Ribbon Task Force Meets with Statewide Officials in Albany
Blue Ribbon Task Force Meets at NYSAC 2010 Legislative Conference
Plan to ease manure regulation touted (10.31.12)
Commissioner Aubertine Announces $610,000 for Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plans - 12 Towns and 8 Counties Receive Funding (9.21.12)
Wisconsin’s Dairy 30x20 initiative
New Push for Farmworkers' Rights (3.12.12)
Adirondack Groups Back Farm Bill Provision (3-9-11)
New NY yogurt plant to come to Genesee County (2-25-12)
Sullivan County red meat processing plant gains final approvals (1-17-12)
Forum focuses on need for slaughterhouse (10-28-11)
Gillibrand hopes to give NE farmers a voice in Washington (9-6-11)
Hunts Point Stays Put (PDF) - Original Article
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