O’Mara named to Farm Bureau ‘Circle of Friends’

Elmira, N.Y., December 27—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,I,C-Big Flats) has been named to the 2017 New York Farm Bureau "Circle of Friends" -- an honorary organization formed in 1990 by the state’s leading farm advocacy organization to recognize state legislators who strongly support agriculture. 

The Farm Bureau represents more than 35,000 member farm families statewide.

“New York Farm Bureau selected these Senators and Assembly members because of their commitment to the hard working farm families in New York. We appreciated their support on a whole host of bills and budget items this year, and we look forward to collaborating with them as a new session is about to begin. It is imperative that we work together to support local food production and the agricultural economy that benefit all New Yorkers,” said David Fisher, President of New York Farm Bureau.

O’Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said, "I have always been proud to stand up for our local farmers and farm families, as well as for a regional and statewide agricultural industry that’s been such a tremendous foundation of upstate New York’s culture and economy.  It’s a vitally important industry across hundreds of communities and remains a fundamental building block of a strong future.”

Area Assemblymen Joe Errigo, Chris Friend, Joseph Giglio and Phil Palmesano were also named to this year’s Circle of Friends.

O’Mara said that he was honored to receive the recognition for his consistent support of New York’s No. 1 industry.  He noted that the farm economy generates more than $4 billion worth of annual economic activity statewide and provides a livelihood for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.