Senator Larkin Releases Final Task Force Report Of Hudson Valley Fruit Growers

William J. Larkin Jr.

February 17, 2005

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the availability of the final Hudson Valley Fruit Growers’ Task Force Report.

This New York State Senate Task Force report, as compiled by Senators Larkin, Bonacic, Leibell, Morahan, Saland, and Seward and a cross section of local Hudson Valley fruit growers, has been in development for approximately one year.

"This report reflects the work of many individuals at the state and local levels," said Senator Larkin. "In particular, I am extremely grateful to all of the local fruit growers who took time out of their busy schedules to offer ideas and suggestions about ways the state can help keep farming viable in the Hudson Valley. Their input was invaluable. We will now introduce legislation based on these recommendations in the upcoming session."

Task Force meetings were held throughout the past year with the primary goal of identifying the regulatory obstacles facing farmers and developing proposals to increase the profitability of both growers and the local economy.

The report covers a wide array of topics including cultivation, processing, and manufacturing issues specific to growers the Hudson Valley; state policies that can benefit local farmers; and ways to market Hudson Valley fruit growers and their products, to name a few.

Any individual or organization wishing to obtain a copy of the Report can access Senator Larkin’s website at www.senatorbilllarkin.com, or call Senator Larkin’s Albany office at (518) 455-2770.