New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced that four New Yorkers have been named members of the new USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. The committee, made up of a total of 25 members, will help advise USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on issues affecting the nations fruit and vegetable industry.
We are so pleased to see New York represented on this new committee, the Commissioner said. These four leaders will effectively characterize the statewide importance and diversity of our fruit and vegetable industry here in New York. In addition to being accomplished in their own business operations, all four of these individuals have served in leadership positions in their respective commodity and farm organizations, which will serve this committee and the interests of other New York producers very well.
The four New York members selected for the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee include:
Robert Nolan of Deer Run Farms, LLC in East Patchogue (Suffolk County)
Brent Roggie of National Grape Cooperative in Westfield (Chautauqua County)
Maureen Torrey of Torrey Farms in Elba (Genesee County)
Oscar Vizcarra of Becker Farms in Gasport (Niagara County)
Committee members were selected from individuals nominated by their peers. The 25 members represent fresh fruit and vegetable growers and shippers, fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers, retailers, industry trade associations, importers, fruit and vegetable processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture. Each member is appointed to a two-year term. The first meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. A date for that meeting has yet to be announced.
New York produces a variety of fruits and vegetables and is a national leader in production of some commodities. New York nationally ranks first in cabbage, second in apples, third in grapes and cauliflower, and fourth in tart cherries, pears, pumpkins, sweet corn, squash and snap beans. Last year, New York farmers received $981 million from the sale of fruits and vegetables.
Source: NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
