Rome & Marcy, NY - On Monday, July 14, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon welcomed fellow legislators, state dignitaries, and agricultural leaders to the Mohawk Valley for her Annual Farm Tour; a powerful day-long journey through the heart of upstate agriculture that left many with a renewed sense of purpose and deep respect for New York’s farming families.

The tour, which began at Collins Farm and Creamery in Rome and concluded with a reception at Buttenschon & Sciortino Farms in Marcy, brought participants face-to-face with the families, challenges, and innovations that define farm life in the region. Stops included DiNitto Farms, Candella’s Farm, and a working lunch at Copper City Brewing Company hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension, featuring remarks from state and local agricultural voices.

“There’s something transformative about watching a lawmaker pick blueberries with a local family or listen to a farmer describe what drought means in real terms,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Too often, agricultural policy is shaped without ever stepping foot on a farm. Yesterday, we changed that. We brought Albany to the fields, and I truly believe our communities will be better for it.”

The tour drew praise from top leaders in the agricultural community, including New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard A. Ball, who addressed the group during the midday session.

“From our first crop of sweet maple syrup in the spring; to fresh, local ice cream in the summer; to apples and pumpkins in the fall harvest season; to the bounty of our holiday feasts at the end of the year; and so much more – agriculture has always been at the center of our communities and our traditions. There’s nothing I like better than connecting the dots between our farmers and our consumers, so I’m pleased to be able to showcase this incredible industry to our partners in the legislature today.”

Among those joining the tour was Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, who emphasized how firsthand experiences like this directly influence advocacy in Albany:

“I look forward to attending Assemblymember Buttenschon’s farm tour each year. It gives everyone the opportunity to experience firsthand the stories behind NY Agriculture. The more we know, the better we can advocate for our farming communities. We always leave with a greater awareness and commitment to the men and women who produce some of the highest quality foods around. We also hope they see how genuinely interested we are.”

Mary Beth McEwen, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, highlighted how critical these on-the-ground conversations are to sound policy:

“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County is honored to participate in Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s Mohawk Valley Farm Tour. Bringing policymakers to area farms highlights the benefits and challenges of farming in New York State and gives them first-hand knowledge that will be crucial in helping them to make effective decisions for farmers and the communities they serve.”

Offering a voice from the policy side, Renée St. Jacques, Director of Public Policy for the New York Farm Bureau, expressed appreciation for the meaningful dialogue made possible by the tour:

"NYFB truly appreciates the opportunity for state leaders to visit farms and hear directly from the farmers on how legislation and regulation impacts their businesses. Thank you to Assemblywoman Buttenschon for organizing this event and thank you to the legislators who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend."

At DiNitto Farms, one of the day’s most memorable stops, Terri DiNitto welcomed guests with heartfelt words and a call to action:

“I want to thank Assemblywoman Buttenschon for including DiNitto Farms in her annual farm tour. It's important that our state leaders understand the agriculture industry, especially those that don't have a farm in their district. No matter what you eat, agriculture is on your plate. I encourage every lawmaker in our State to visit a farm and learn about the agriculture industry firsthand before they vote on a law or regulation that directly affects us. It was our pleasure to have everyone visit today!”

Other highlights included a Cornell presentation on pollinator health and agricultural chemicals, a showcase on small farm retail operations, a community agriculture box demonstration, and hands-on activities like blueberry picking and crop education.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon emphasized that the goal of the tour was not just to educate, but to inspire empathy and action.

“When you step into the shoes of a farmer, even for a moment, it changes how you lead,” said Buttenschon. “This tour was about connecting hearts and minds to the soil beneath our feet; and reminding everyone in Albany that rural voices deserve a seat at every table.”