by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
The 2017 Taste of New York Legislative Reception was held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, with nearly 90 county Farm Bureau and agricultural organization displays showcasing their county products and offering samples of everything from apples and applesauce to local wools, distillery vodkas and a variety of wines.
Sandra Prokop, Education Specialist with New York Farm Bureau commented on the annual event.
“The New York Farm Bureau ‘Taste of New York’ reception is an extremely important event in itself, and when coupled with a day of visits by members to speak with their legislators and ‘adopted’ legislators, [it] reaches an even higher level of importance and success. This is an opportunity to connect and tell your story. As so many are disconnected from agriculture, except for food, clothing and shelter, which many just take for granted, this event provides a vivid background for meeting and really communicating. This is an opportunity that is growing and should be on everyone’s ‘must do’ list. There are too few occasions to showcase and share, so we must use them to our best advantage.”
Rob Carpenter, administrator of the Long Island Farm Bureau, said this is a great way to educate legislators on the many agricultural products New York State produces that many do not realize.
“The NYFB Taste of New York reception is a great way to educate the legislature, their staff and the public about all New York Farms have to offer and to show the diversity of New York Agriculture,” commented Carpenter. “This event affords our farmers the opportunity to impress upon our elected officials how important farming is in New York in terms of the economy, the environment and providing food and fiber for our residents necessary for a high quality of life.”