(Windsor, NY) 9th District Broome County Legislator Steve Herz (D- Windsor) has been appointed to the recently created New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of New York Farming in New York State. Herz is the only member of the Task Force from Broome County and represents eastern Broome County on the legislature.

 

 

“As a farmer and a legislator, I understand the vital nature of a healthy agricultural sector in our community and the connection that we all share with the industry as well as the challenges facing contemporary agriculture.  Here in Broome County we have seen a significant transformation in the diversity of the agricultural industry over the past 40 years. It is the variety of agriculture in Broome County that keeps it a vibrant part of our local economy. The challenges of agriculture are unique to that industry and I am grateful to have been appointed to this Blue Ribbon Task Force which will address these challenges and preserve this industry for our future generations,” said Herz.

 

With over 500 farms, Broome County’s agricultural heritage plays an important role in defining the character of rural portions of the county and continues to contribute significant revenue to the county’s economy. While the rate of loss of farms in the County is significantly higher than the statewide or national average, the total value of agricultural products sold in Broome County continues to increase and was $28.8 million in 2002.