“I am humbled to accept an induction into the New York State Farm Bureau’s 2017 Circle of Friends. New York’s agriculture is renowned all around the nation, and that is a testament to the devoted men and women who work the Hudson Valley soil to earn a living and feed our state. Our farmers face floods, fires and drought and overcome many obstacles to earn a living in an industry that is not always guaranteed to produce profits.

“Right here in the Hudson Valley, our Black Dirt Region produces some of the best onions, carrots, lettuce and sod in the nation, and I am proud to represent their interests in Albany. Farming is oftentimes a family tradition that is handed down through generations, and I will continue to work to ensure that New York’s agriculture sector is one of the best in the nation.”