A variety of issues ranging from immigration reform to agritourism were discussed at the Phelps Community Center as part of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s Farm Bill Listening Tour. This was Congresswoman Tenney’s fourth roundtable in NY-24 this week. During Thursday’s session, Tenney heard from farmers across the Finger Lakes about the challenges they face and their priorities for reform moving forward.
Rep. Tenney was joined at the event in Phelps by Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, and Assemblyman Brian Manktelow. Representatives from the office of Senator Pam Helming also participated in the event.
Following the Community Center event, Rep. Tenney also toured local family-owned Boundary Breaks Winery and a fourth-generation family-owned business Dickman Farms, to learn more about the wine and farming businesses in the Finger Lakes region.
“As we wrap up our first Farm Bill Listening Tour across the 24th District, I am once again inspired by the hardworking farmers and producers across our region who work tirelessly every day despite increasing challenges,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “New York’s 24th District is the top agriculture and dairy-producing district in the state, and I could not be more honored to represent the farmers and producers who live and work here. Thank you to all who attended these open-door events and shared their frank and thoughtful testimony. I am eager to bring back what I have heard from farmers to Congress.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to join Congresswoman Tenney to hear directly from regional farmers on their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. It remains critical for Congress, for my colleagues and me at the state level, and for every local leader to understand the challenges facing our farmers and the entire industry, to take the actions needed at every level of government to address these challenges, and, equally important, to steer clear of doing anything that risks the survival of our family farms,” said Senator Tom O’Mara (R, C-Big Flats).
Bruce Murray, co-owner of Boundary Breaks in Lodi, addressed the panel on Thursday. (photo: Lucas Day, Finger Lakes Daily News)
“Our farmers produce our food, preserve our land, and protect our natural resources. Providing them with the resources and support they need is essential to our economy, to our health, and to the quality of life in every community in America. As State Senator, I will always fight for our family farms and agribusinesses. Thank you to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for fighting for them in Washington,” said New York State Senator Pam Helming.
“I am grateful to participate in Congresswoman Tenney’s panel discussing farming issues in New York State. Agriculture is a billion-dollar industry in the state of New York. We should be taking the time to listen very carefully to those our decisions directly affect. This is a prime opportunity to get feedback from the very people we serve at the state and national level,” said Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia).
