New York Farm Bureau to host 'Focusing on the Future of Northeast Agriculture' conference in Buffalo

Registration is now open for a special conference titled “Focusing on the Future of Northeast Agriculture: Adapt. Advance. Achieve.” It will be held Dec. 6 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo. The event will focus on the changing climates impacting farmers: business, market and weather patterns.

Presenters and panel leaders will include the dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ben Houlton, who will explore land use, environmental needs and what changing weather patterns will mean to growers in the region. Former New York Lt. Gov. and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Robert Duffy will lead a discussion on movements in labor and regulatory issues. And the director of Farm Credit East’s Knowledge Exchange, Chris Laughton, will host a panel to analyze the markets and trade issues for Northeast agriculture.

The keynote speaker is Brett Sciotto of Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm specializing in agrifood that was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S. He will tie everything together and explore the opportunities for Northeast agriculture in a changing world, and how farmers will fit into the larger global market.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall will also attend an evening reception for conferencegoers to network and discuss the topics of the day.

The cost to attend the event at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo is $150 for NYFB members or $175 for the general public. That includes registration, lunch, and the dinner reception. Reduced rate hotel rooms are available.

The following day, Wednesday, Dec. 7, New York Farm Bureau delegates will gather for the 66th State Annual Meeting. They will discuss and vote on public policy resolutions. Awards will be presented during a special luncheon, followed by the business session and elections.

For more information or to register, visit Future of Agriculture Summit – Focusing on the Future (nyfb.org).