Back from the Finger Lakes Wine Tour with New York Agri-Women

I am back from the New York Agri-Women (@NYAgriWomen) Finger Lakes Wine Tour at Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yan, New York.  Had a great weekend up in the Finger Lakes exploring the countryside and meeting New York women involved with the agriculture industry.  I am continually amazed on the diversity of New York agriculture.  We got a tour of Fox Run Vineyards and enjoyed a wine tasting afterwards.  I have posted pictures here.  

Afterwards, we all had an opportunity to discuss the future of New York Agri-Women.  I believe that there is tremendous potential for the organization to connect with urban consumers.  Since I live in NYC I can say that most New Yorkers do not understand production agriculture – yet, I feel that now more than ever urban consumers want to understand the food they eat and feed to their families.  Women in particular have a special way to connect with consumers. 

The national organization, American Agri-Women (“AAW”) (@Women4Ag) has a three prong mission:  1) to educate consumers, 2) to educate elected officials, and 3) to educate the agriculture industry.  The organization will be also taking this three prong mission here in New York.  I also hope that New York Agri-Women can be a teammate to other agriculture commodity groups in Albany by communicating the issues that are important to New York agriculture.

So how can you get involved?  

1.  If you haven’t already, please join our google email group – it helps keep all the emails organized and allows you to email the entire group of New York Agri-Women.   

2.  Become a “fan” of New York Agri-Women on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to help stay up on New York agri-news and happenings of the organization.

3.  I am mailing a letter about the organization, upcoming events, and membership to New York farms and agri-businesses.  Do you know of people in your area that may be interested?  Or do you want to make sure you are on the mailing list?  If so please email the names and contact information to newyorkagriwomen@gmail.com. 

4.  Please plan to attend the events in New York City on June 16-18th.  About 10-15 women from the national organization will be zipping up to NYC after their DC legislative conference on The Hill.  AAW is very excited about New York Agri-Women and hope to have a great crew of women there to help showcase New York agriculture.  Mitzi Perdue of Perdue Chicken will be hosting a beautiful reception at her Fifth Avenue apartment in Manhattan.  RSVP is a must – limited to 75 guests.  We’re also planning tours of Hudson Pines Farm, Brooklyn community gardens, port of entry, and the Union Square Farmers market.  If you are interested in attending any of these events please RSVP by emailing newyorkagriwomen@gmail.com and/or RSVP at New York Agri-Women’s Facebook events page. 

5.  Are you a blogger or a graphics designer?  I hope to start a New York agriculture blog where women in this state can write about agriculture issues.  The organization has a low budget right now so we would love to find a volunteer to help out with designing a website and/or our logo.

6.  I am looking for volunteers to help plan other meetups around New York.  I hope that we could plan something in Albany next month and Syracuse next August/September around State Fair time. 

7.  I am also looking for leadership for the New York Agri-Women.  I hope that the organization can have county leaders and regional chapters in addition to statewide leadership.  If you are interested in a position please make sure to email me. 

I am looking forward to the future of New York Agri-Women.  It is always exciting to get involved with an organization at its infancy.