Gallivan Joins Congresswoman Hochul for Agriculture Roundtable in York
Patrick M. Gallivan
May 7, 2012
Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District) co-hosted an agricultural roundtable with United States Representative Kathy Hochul (D-26th District) on Friday in York, Livingston County to gather input from area farmers. Both expressed the importance of agriculture and agri-business to the regional economy.
“Agriculture is a $5 billion industry in New York State. From small family farms to large cooperatives– agriculture is the lifeblood of Upstate New York’s economy. Its impact is felt in every community and its future is inextricably linked to the future of Western New York,” said Senator Gallivan. “This roundtable is a candid way for Congresswoman Hochul and I to hear directly from local producers and manufacturers about the realities facing the agricultural industry: its challenges, its opportunities, and in what ways we can serve the community better.”
“With more than 4,000 locally owned farms in New York’s 26th District, the agriculture industry serves as the backbone of Western New York’s economy,” said Congresswoman Hochul. “Our district is the top seller of agriculture products in the state, producing more than $700 million in products every year, and Livingston County is one of the leaders in the sale of dairy, grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas, which is why I’ve made it a priority to hold forums like this with our family farmers to listen to their concerns and learn about how we can streamline services to make their businesses run more efficiently.”
About 60 local residents, most with a vested interest in area agriculture, packed the York Town Hall to participate in this bipartisan roundtable.