Ritchie named a "friend" of agriculture

Patty Ritchie

October 11, 2011

Agriculture

Agriculture

Farm Bureau Adds Senator to Its "Circle of Friends."

State Senator Patty Ritchie, who led the fight as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Bureau to preserve farm-saving programs, cut red tape and help grow family faming in New York, has been named to New York Farm Bureau's "Circle of Friends."

“Being chosen as one of Farm Bureau’s 'Circle of Friends' is a great honor for me,” Senator Ritchie said. “As someone who grew up on a farm, I realize that our state’s agriculture community needs legislators who understand the unique challenges they face and the problems government and regulators sometimes unintentionally create. As the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have worked closely with Farm Bureau to speak up on their behalf and bring common sense to Albany.”

"When I arrived in Albany last January, New York's agriculture was under assault with the state proposing to cut $3 million in vital research, education and marketing funds that help family farms compete in the global economy. That's why I led the successful fight to protect farm jobs and the agribusiness industry," Senator Ritchie said.

"As the Senate Agriculture Chair, I led the effort to repeal costly mandates. It's also why I recently appointed an Agriculture Advisory Council made up of 14 farmers and agribusiness experts who will help guide me and the Senate Agriculture Committee."

"The Circle of Friends award is based upon each legislator's voting record on issues of importance to New York agriculture and other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that Farm Bureau has either supported, or opposed, throughout the Legislative Session," said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau president.

Farm Bureau presents the awards each year based on legislators' records showing their support of New York's family farms. Those chosen for the award have demonstrated they understand the importance of agriculture in their legislative district, and how the industry impacts the economy and the future of New York state.