Agriculture Council

Agriculture is a very important part of our region.

Much of the economic vitality of the Finger Lakes is contingent on a robust agriculture sector. The Agriculture Council represents people in the business of producing food and other farm products in the Geneva, NY area. 

Members of the Agriculture Council:

Laura Pedersen, Vice Chair - Pedersen Farms, Inc.

Lorraine Barry - New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

CJ Britt - The Lyons National Bank

Dale Hemminger - Hemdale Farms

Skip Jensen - Ontario County Farm Bureau

Ann Martini - Anthony Road Wine Company

Brian Nicholson - Red Jacket Orchards

Jim Ochterski - Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ontario County 

Scott Osborn - Fox Run Vineyards

Marc Smith - New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

Bruce Ulmer - Seedway 

The Agriculture Council is focused on two primary issues: 1. Improving farm workforce policies to make sure farmers can hire the best people available for the positions. 2. Promoting local food and wine to stimulate and deepen local economic activity, tourism, and self-sufficiency.

           

Above: Laura Pedersen provides information               Above: Drew Wayne, Laura Pedersen,   
to Drew Wayne of Congressmen Reed's office.             & Skip Jensen

The Council develops business-enhancing resolutions for endorsement by the GACC Board of Directors dealing with important legislative issues, such as immigration and wine in grocery stores. The Council also hosts community educational events and encourage Chamber members to be involved in the legislative process by attending events with elected officials. See below for more information on Council activities and positions.

Council Activity/Positions:

2009: The Chamber sent a letter of support to Governor Paterson for the sale of Wine in Grocery Stores in New York.

2010: "Handling the Local Harvest" - a film and book signing event held in conjunction with Geneva Community Health.

2010: In January the Council and Board of Directors sent a letter to Senator Nozzolio opposing the Omnibus Farmworker Labor Bill. 

2010: In March, the Chamber and Ag Committee sent a statement to urge Senators and Assemblymen to carefully consider budget cuts that were proposed in the executive budget.

2010: Chamber President and Ag Committee Chair, Laura Pedersen, sent a letter to Senator Schumer asking him to continue to address AgJobs or similar bills.

2010: In July the Chamber asked Senator Gillibrand to oppose H.R. 5034, the Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness (CARE) Act.

2011: Chamber Board and Ag Council oppose H.R. 2885, the mandatory e-verify bill.

 

For more information on the Agriculture Council please contact the Chamber at (315) 789-1776.