Its amazing how fast time flies. I can’t believe November is around the corner. Over the last few weeks, Long Island Farm Bureau has been very active with events and special visitors to the east end.
The last week in September the New York Senate Agricultural Committee Chairman Darrel J. Aubertine toured a number of farm operations to discuss their operations, their concerns and the importance of agriculture to Long Island economy and citizens. Senator Aubertine was quite impressed and surprised by the intensity and diversity of Long Island’s ag industry. He visited a number of farms including DeLea Sod Farms, led by LIFB Vice President Frank Beyrodt, Dave McLarin’s Gypsy Vanner horse farm, Phil Schmitt’s vegetable farm, MKZ nursery led by LIFB President Mark Zaweski. In the afternoon the Senator visited North Fork Potato Chips at Marty Sidor farm, Aeros Oyster Company in Southold led by Karen Rivara, Paumanok Vineyards led by the Massoud Family and finally Crescent Duck Farm run by Doug Corwin and family. Later that evening a number of our farmer leaders had dinner with the Senator and myself to discuss further what he saw, his observations and what we feel are the priorities that he should focus on as Senate Ag Chairman.
The big 3 issues for us were Immigration/Farm Labor concerns, Increasing Damage from Wildlife, and Farm Profitability/General Economics. It was a productive and beneficial day for the Senator and the Long Island farm community as he now has a very good understanding of Long Island’s needs and concerns. It is clear to us we have a friend and champion in Albany and we look forward to a long and cordial friendship with Darrell Aubertine. We were all pumped up by the spirit of his visit to the area. Also want to thank LIFB staffer Rob Carpenter for organizing and leading the tour – job well done.
A week later Frank Beyrodt, Bob Nolan, Deb Schmitt, Rob Carpenter and I traveled to Washington, DC to participate at Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s first “Farm Day” reception at the Russell Senate Building. Senator Gillibrand continues to carry on this annual event sponsored by the NY State Wine and Grape Foundation, NY Ag & Markets, NY Farm Bureau and many other organizations including LI Farm Bureau. Hundreds of members of Congress, staff and guests attend this celebration of NY agriculture, food and wine. Karen Rivara’s oysters, Corwin’s smoked duck, Schmitt’s mixed green salad with Catapano cheese, and Sidors Potato Chips were a hit served with tastings of LI Wine poured by LI Wine Council Executive Director Steve Bate.
The next day we had legislative visits with the LI Congressional delegation. We met with Tim Bishop and Steve Israel in person and with staff in the other offices. At noon we had lunch with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at the US Capitol Senate dining room. We met with the Senator for over an hour to discuss with our group the major federal issues including estate taxes; farm viability, immigration/labor and many other issues. NY Farm Bureau President Dean Norton and staffer Jeff Williams joined us for the lunch and discussion. It was a great experience for all of us. We found her warm, interested and committed to understanding the various concerns presented. She is the first US Senator from New York in 50 years, maybe more, that served on the Senate Ag Committee.
At the end of the day my spouse Donna flew into DC to join me for Parents Weekend. Our son Jon attends James Madison University in Va. Anyhow, Donna and I had a private visit with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at her office in the State Department. It was a great thrill to catch up and fill her in on what’s happening in New York and Long Island. She is doing great, we are so proud of her and honored to be friends. All in all it was a great trip to our Nations Capitol.