Niagara County Farmers Meet With Hochul to Share Concerns

Press Release

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today held a roundtable conversation with local farmers and wine producers, the Farm Service Agency, the New York Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and several Niagara County elected officials to discuss agriculture issues affecting New York's 26th District.

"With more than 4,000 locally owned farms in New York's 26th District, including hundreds here in Niagara County, the agriculture industry serves as the backbone of Western New York's economy," said Congresswoman Hochul. "Our district is the top seller of agriculture products in the state, producing more than $700 million in products every year, which is why I've made it a priority to listen to the concerns of our family farms and streamline services to make their businesses run more efficiently."

"Although we may be a small portion of the population, agriculture is the number one industry in New York State. Our economic impact includes not only production agriculture and its related businesses, but tourism, nurseries, and a variety of consumer opportunities," said Margo Bittner, owner of The Winery at Marjim Manor. "We appreciate Congresswoman Hochul's interest and support on agricultural issues. She understands our role as stewards of the land, preserving it for future generations; our need for a trained workforce; and our concerns about the various rules and regulations that limit our flexibility to conduct our businesses. The members of Niagara County Farm Bureau look forward to our discussions and working with her in the future."

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