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A FARM PICTURE All Photos courtesy of Glen Gebhard
The evolution of Long Island farming can be divided into four development periods. The first period extends from the Native Americans and early English settlers until the end of the Revolutionary War. Subsistence farming evolved into production agriculture. Cordwood became the first major income-generated crop. Americans experienced the first of many agricultural changes that would follow through the centuries.
The second phase of development followed the Civil War. Agriculture became increasingly efficient with the invention of irrigation, cast iron plows and easier means of transportation. Long Island potatoes, cauliflower and strawberries grew in abundance. The export markets increased and agriculture flourished.
In the third phase at the end of World War II, agriculture was a booming industry on Long Island. ‘Truck farms’ produced a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for the New York City and local consumers. Roadside stands were built to accommodate the budding tourist industry, as suburban homes fulfilled the American dream. But suburbia did not stop at Levittown. Surrounded by the Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and Atlantic Ocean, the eastern end of Long Island has steadily drawn the rich and famous, second homebuyers and those searching for a quieter way of life.
For over 350 years the farmers of Long Island have adapted to the pressure of an ever-changing market and the steady march of suburbia. The twenty first century presents what may be the fourth and final developmental phase in the Island’s agricultural industry. Farming is at a critical juncture. Suffolk County remains New York State’s leading agricultural county in gross sales of products grown. Historically, Suffolk has led the United States in the country’s first preservation program, the Purchase of Development Rights. Continued preservation of farmland and the business of farming are crucial for the survival of Long Island’s historic and rural heritage.
Renowned documentary filmmaker Glen Gebhard and scriptwriter/historian Dr. Frank Turano of Stony Brook University have provided an unprecedented visual account of the history of Eastern Long Island’s Agricultural Industry. The film features Commissioner Nathan Rudgers from NYS Department of Ag & Markets, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, County Executive Robert Gaffney, Southold Town Supervisor Josh Horton, historical footage, and present-day farmers and farming practices.
Eleventh generation farmer, Lyle Wells sets the tone for Gebhard’s film, “On the eastern end of Long Island, there are more multigenerational farmers than anywhere else in the country. The farmland preservation measures instituted here will effect future generations of farmers and landowners.” Commissioner Rudgers points to the importance of Long Island’s precedence in preservation, “With the development pressures we have here we are ….dealing with issues that other parts of the nation may not have to deal with for another decade…or maybe a generation but the will have to deal with these issues. And when they do we’re hopeful that they’ll look back at the Long Island experience and say ‘they got it right.’”
To order a copy of "A Farm Picture" please send a check or money order to the address below for $25.00.
Long Island Farm Bureau 104 Edwards Avenue Calverton, NY 11933
Make check out to "Long Island Farm Bureau". Sorry no credit cards accepted at this time. If you have questions , call (631) 727-3777
Join us in preserving the rural way of life. Become a member today! Long Island Farm Bureau is a grassroots, advocacy organization dedicated to solving economic and public policy issues challenging the Long Island agricultural community.  |
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Long Island Farm Bureau is proud to announce to premiere of “A Farm Picture,” a 60-minute look at the importance of farmland preservation on Long Island. The documentary was shown on April 5, 2004 at the Long Island Museum of Arts, History and Carriages at Stony Brook University. The film presents a historical account of the encroachment of development on the Island’s farmland, its agricultural heritage and the very individuals who have preserved the tradition for multiple generations. “A Farm Picture,” a joint effort by 
