O’Mara named to NY Farm Bureau's ‘Circle of Friends’: Leading farm, agriculture advocacy group identifies O’Mara as a strong supporter of farm families

Elmira, N.Y., December 14—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,I,C-Big Flats) has been named to the 2018 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 recognizes these Senators and Assembly Members for their legislative work that has a positive impact on the diverse agricultural community in this state. We appreciate their support of bills and budget items that matter to farm families, and we look forward to continuing the partnership in the 2019 session. The collaboration ultimately benefits the rural economy and all the people who value local food production,” 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 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.