Senator Ritchie to Host ‘Agribusiness’ Forums

Submit Your Ideas to Grow New York's Number One Industry Right Now

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced a series of forums across the state to gain input from farmers and agribusiness leaders on ways to strengthen agriculture, New York’s leading industry.

And she's calling for farmers, ag supports and anyone interested in growing New York's agriculture industry to submit comments to the committee by clicking the link above.

The first Agribusiness Forum will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m., at the Dulles State Office building, 317 Washington St., Watertown, and will feature Farm Bureau representatives, outreach personnel from Cornell University, winery owners, vegetable and dairy representatives, ag educators and business experts.

“As chair of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee, I want to hear from family farmers and agricultural business leaders about ways the state can help grow their business, and strengthen agriculture,” Senator Ritchie said. “We’ve made strides in cutting red tape and lowering costs for farmers, but we need to do more to make government a true partner in helping to create jobs and help support our Number One industry.”

“Agriculture is the top industry in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. The crops and livestock we grow on our family farms puts food on our tables, and provides the key to revitalizing job growth in our upstate economy,” Senator Ritchie said. “For too long, our State has left agribusiness out of the State’s economic development priorities. My forums will look to change that.” 

Senator Ritchie has scheduled additional forums, each beginning at 1 p.m.:

Oct. 18, Geneseo, Livingston County Center, 6 Court St.

Oct. 20, Long Island, Riverhead Town Hall

To submit testimony, preregister, or get more information, contact the Senate Agriculture Committee, at (518) 455-3438.