In recognition of his continued efforts to help New York State farmers grow and create jobs, State Senator Mike Nozzolio has once again been honored by the New York Farm Bureau with its “Circle of Friends” award. The award acknowledges Senator Nozzolio’s aggressive support of New York farmers and agriculture.


“In the Finger Lakes region, agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Virtually every business, family and individual in our region directly or indirectly depends on agriculture, the single largest job producing enterprise in New York State,” said Nozzolio. “It is an honor for me to receive this recognition from the New York Farm Bureau and I commend them for their continued advocacy on issues important to our farm families in Upstate New York.”

Nozzolio has been named to the “Circle of Friends” by the Farm Bureau each year since he was elected to the State Senate for his long-standing support of New York State agriculture. As State Senator, he worked to establish the Ag Tech Park at the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, a state-of-the art food laboratory that focuses on job growth and development in agriculture, food, and biological-based enterprises. 

Additionally, Nozzolio secured the State funding  needed to build new greenhouse facilities used for agricultural research at the Geneva Experiment Station and led the effort to create the Finger Lakes Viticulture Center, which will be constructed on land near the Ag-Tech Park in Geneva.  The Finger Lakes Viticulture Center will support the growing wine and grape industry in our region, create new exciting job opportunities and continue to put the Finger Lakes region at the forefront of agricultural research and development.  The Viticulture Center will serve as a permanent location for Finger Lakes Community College’s groundbreaking Viticulture and Wine Technology Program - the only program of its kind in the Northeast. 

During the previous legislative session, Nozzolio fought hard to support a number of initiatives designed to strengthen agriculture, including investments to expand the marketing of New York products such as maple, apples and berries, support for agricultural research and education, and the creation of the Market NY initiative to bolster tourism and better market our agricultural products. Additionally, Nozzolio led the effort to eliminate the Utility Tax over the next three years, reducing the burden on every ratepayer in our State.

“At a time when farms are struggling, we need to do everything we can to support our Upstate farmers so that they can remain on their land and continue to feed their fellow New Yorkers, as well as the Nation and even far off corners of the world” said Nozzolio. “It is my belief that we must do everything possible to cut taxes and grow jobs to create a better future for our young people, friends and community.”

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