Assemblywoman Buttenschon Hosts Annual Oneida County Farm Tour for New York State Assembly
Utica – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-C) hosted New York State Assembly members from across the state, for her Oneida County Farm Tour event on Tuesday August 1st.
This annual event showcases farms in the 119th Assembly District and invites all members of the New York State Assembly to experience farming in the Mohawk Valley as well as explain the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy.
The farms picked to tour this year were Delta Glen Maple (Westernville), VanLieshout Farm (Stittville), DiNitto Farms (Marcy), Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses (Marcy), followed with a reception at Buttenschon Tree Farm (Marcy).
Lunch was held at Saranac Brewing Co. at its Biergarten in Utica. The Event Coordinator for Saranac Brewing Co., Tom Wynne, presented on the history of the brewery. There was also a booth with Oneida County products for sale organized by President of Oneida County Farm Bureau, John Collins.
During Lunch, a New York State Assembly Resolution was also presented to the Tunnel to Towers Utica organization for the work they do to support 9/11 first responders and their families, their 3rd annual event is coming up August 20th in Utica.
The co-sponsors this year include Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Oneida County Farm Bureau, and the New York State Farm Bureau.
“I always look forward to the Oneida County Farm Tour organized by my colleague Assemblywoman Buttenschon. It’s vitally important for Assembly members from other parts of the state to visit and hear firsthand about the challenges facing NY’s farmers. Agriculture is central to the economy of the Mohawk Region and we are very proud of the dedication of our farming community.” - Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo
Each tour demonstrated the day-to-day workings as well as the history of each farm. There were guest speakers that included Resource Conservation Specialist from Oneida County Soil and Water, Tim Wimmer and Agronomy Specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, Jeff Miller.
“New York Farm Bureau appreciates the state senators, assembly members, and their staffs for attending the Oneida County farm tour. The diverse farms in the area have important stories to share about their businesses, challenges and opportunities. By building bridges and fostering collaboration, we can all work together to create a strong agricultural system in this state. We especially would like to thank Assembly Member Buttenschon for co-hosting the tour and being a great supporter of New York farms," said Adam Miner, New York Farm Bureau State Director Adam Miner who represents Oneida County on the NYFB State Board.
"Oneida County Farm Bureau welcomes the New York State lawmakers to our area. We have a strong agricultural community that contributes so much to our local food system and state economy.The annual tour hosted by Assembly Member Buttenschon is a great way to showcase the hard work of our farm families and how we can work together to address serious policy issues in Albany that will support farms in the county and across the state. Oneida County Farm Bureau thanks the senators, assembly members, and the farmers for taking part in today's wonderful tour," said Oneida County Farm Bureau President John Collins.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is honored to be part of Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s Oneida County Farm Tour. The County is home to some of the best farms in the nation and it’s wonderful to be able to showcase them to dignitaries from across NY State.” Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Mary Beth McEwen said.
“This day is a special way for the New York State Assembly to experience farming in specifically the Mohawk Valley and explain the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy. I am always happy to show off my district and what it has to offer.” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said, “I know the farmers in my district work hard and deserve to be recognized for it. Farming is a fundamental part of the state as well as the nation. I also want to thank Oneida County Legislators Buck, Schiebel and DiMaggio for meeting with my colleagues to emphasize the importance of agriculture in our community”