Long Island Farm Bureau Presenting Annual Ag Forum

On Thursday, January 14th and Friday, January 15th, members of the East End farming community will gather at Suffolk County Community College in Riverhead for the 2016 Long Island Agricultural Forum. Throughout both days, attendees will hear from experts about a variety of topics during lectures geared towards those in the local agricultural and horticultural industries.

“The Long Island Ag Forum has been a 35 year tradition for local farmers,” explained Sandra Menasha, a Vegetable/Potato Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension – Suffolk County. “The 2-day event provides numerous educational opportunities for the ag community to learn about the newest research and advancements in agriculture and agricultural stewardship and stay up-to-date on agricultural law and policy changes.”

On Thursday, the forum will focus on Ag Issues, Potatoes, Sustainable Ag, Greenhouse/Floriculture, NYS Dept. of Labor: NYSDOL Labor Law Section 193, Deductions, Tree Fruit, and Environmental Landscaping and Gardening. The first day wraps up with the 35th annual LI Ag Forum dinner at the Riverhead Polish Hall. At 5:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy a cash bar, followed by a family style dinner at 6:30 p.m. The evening will also include a discussion led by T.W. Barritt, a food writer, communications consultant and author, who will cover his book “Long Island Food: A History from Family Farms & Oysters to Craft Spirits,” the area’s rich farming and maritime history, and how that has encouraged a food revitalization within our region.

Friday’s sessions will take a look at Vegetables, Viticulture, Livestock and Poultry, Nursery, Loan Opportunities: Farm Service Agency, and conclude with a general session.

Registration for the forum is $45 and tickets to the dinner are $28.

For more information, contact Melissa Elkins at 631-727-7850 or visit www.lifb.com.