Watkins Glen - Members of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano’s (R-C-I Corning) Agriculture Task Force conducted an open discussion Wednesday about farming issues and how state policy affects them, both good and bad.

“I’d like to thank task force members for their participation and helpful input,” said Palmesano. “They do a great job keeping me informed about farming issues that are important to them. The knowledge they share is invaluable to me as a state legislator. It helps me be more effective and a better representative for the district which I serve.”

The assemblyman’s agriculture task force is comprised of farmers from across the 132nd Assembly District, which includes Steuben, Schuyler, Yates and portions of Chemung and Seneca counties. Task force members represent a wide array of agriculture, including dairy, beef, wine/grapes, vegetables and fruit growers.

“I’ve always been impressed with Phil’s breadth of knowledge on so many issues,” remarked Carol Doolittle of Trumansburg, who owns Frontenac Point Vineyards. “He’s been willing to work across the aisle with other legislators in Albany, which is very important. Phil listens to both sides of an issue and works toward a solution.”

Palmesano noted that he started the agriculture task force in 2011 to facilitate an ongoing dialogue with farmers in this district, gaining their input on state policy and legislation, in addition to assisting them with issues that may pose potential problems with their farming operations.

“More than 90 percent of New York’s farms are family-owned-and-operated,” Palmesano added, “and we must be vigilant to preserve and help grow our family farms by reducing burdensome taxes and regulations while working to open up new markets for New York farms. The fact of the matter is, not only is agriculture the number one industry in my district, but it is the number one industry in the state. We must do all we can to support New York’s agriculture.”

Assemblyman Palmesano is planning another task force meeting in the near future, featuring a visit by state Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.