Assemblyman Chris Tague hosted his fifth annual Agriculture Tour alongside Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead), Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C-Smithtown), Sennator George Borrello and Senator Michelle Hinchey in Long Island last Tuesday.
More than 60 Assembly, Senate and staff members from all over the state joined the New York and Long Island Farm Bureau and Cooperative Extension to explore what’s “Grown on Long Island.”
The tour stopped at eight local staples, including Bianchi Davis Greenhouse, Delea Sod Farm, Wickham Fruit Farm, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Little Ram Oyster Company, Sang Lee Farm, Premium Wine Group and Lavender by the Bay.
“These trips give us the invaluable opportunity to speak directly to our constituents and hear their needs,” said Assemblyman Tague.
“It reminds us that life doesn’t stop in our districts, we need to be well-rounded in our knowledge of the state– that’s how we develop good policy.”
The Agriculture Tour exposed legislators to various constituents, professions and issues they need to consider during the 2024 Legislative session.
Some of the main issues discussed during the tour were housing, affordability and a reliable market.
While some of these will take time to iron out, legislators are already making changes.
“One of the issues we discussed was the lack of a market for cannabis farmers,” Assemblyman Tague said. “A bipartisan group of legislators, myself included, came together and urged Governor Hochul to sign the Cannabis Crop Rescue Act which would help the farmers sell their product instead of wasting it. These are the types of issues we are made aware of by speaking directly with constituents.”
“Every year I am grateful for the opportunity to host these tours and bridge the gap between Republicans, Democrats and our lovely agricultural community,” Assemblyman Tague said. “I know I left more knowledgeable and aware about what our people need. We fully intend to implement what we learned during this tour into our future policy decisions.”
The 6th annual tour in 2024 will be in Otsego, Schoharie and Herkimer Counties, with a focus on Cooperstown and surrounding areas.