Archive: News

In recognition of his continued support of the agriculture industry, New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio has been honored by the New York Farm Bureau with its annual "Circle of Friends" award.

"It is an honor to receive this recognition and I commend the New York Farm Bureau for their continued advocacy for issues important to our local farm industry, the single largest job producing enterprise in New York State," said Nozzolio. "Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy and as the State Senator representing one of the largest agricultural districts in New York, I will continue to be a strong advocate for farmers."

Nozzolio's recent accomplishments on behalf of the agriculture community include securing over $10 million in capital and equipment funds for Cornell University's Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, including the funding necessary for the renovation of the greenhouses at the Station and the addition of a state-of-the-art Hiperbaric High Pressure Processing machine.

"Bringing this complex High Pressure Processing equipment to the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and to Cornell University is an extraordinary opportunity to promote innovation in Geneva, and job growth for New York food processors and farmers, especially in the Finger Lakes region," said Nozzolio.

The Hiperbaric machine is the first of its kind in the United States and will be used to ensure that corporations are complying with food safety regulations. Nozzolio is also responsible for significant upgrades to the Experiment Station, the establishment of the Ag Tech Park adjacent to the Experiment Station, and the construction of the Finger Lakes Wine and Viticulture Center in Geneva.

Throughout his tenure, Nozzolio worked to establish the Farm to School program to promote the purchase of homegrown products in our schools and fought for State aid to assist area farmers, including apple growers, vegetable growers and wine and grape producers.

"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," said Nozzolio. "I will continue to fight to cut taxes for our farmers, oppose intrusive regulations that make it harder for them to survive, and strongly support programs and financial initiatives that provide badly-needed relief for our State's farms at a time when they need it most."

Nozzolio has been named to the "Circle of Friends" by the Farm Bureau each year since he was elected to serve as a member of the State Senate.

v11i44