Senator Clinton to Host New York Farm Day

Local Produce from Across New York, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, Western New York and the North Country, to be Showcased in the Nation’s Capital

by Jim Tresize

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 12— New York ’s award-winning wines, farm-fresh products, and fine restaurants will travel to the nation’s Capitol next week to tastefully show Congress, the Administration, and others that New York is a major agricultural state, and agriculture is a major part of the state’s economy.

On Tuesday, September 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will host “New York Farm Day” in the elegant Senate Russell Caucus Room at the crest of Capitol Hill. Attendees will include dozens of other Senators, the New York Congressional delegation from the House of Representatives, members of the Committees on Agriculture, legislative chiefs of staff, agricultural specialists in Congress and the Administration, members of the Washington media, top area restaurants and fine wine shops.

“Senator Clinton has become a true missionary for New York agriculture, including the grape and wine industry,” said Jim Trezise , President of the statewide New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which organizes the event. “This food and wine showcase is designed to facilitate her strong advocacy of New York agriculture by tastefully showing her colleagues that New York has some of the best foods, wines, and restaurants in the world.”

In the past five years, New York Farm Day has become one of the most popular events on Capitol Hill. As the current edition of US News put it, “It’s that time of year again when lawmakers and top Hill aides eagerly await their invitation to what most call the best industry reception of the year: New York Farm Day, hosted by Sen. Hillary Clinton.” As a reminder of this year’s Farm Day feast, this week all U.S. Senators and New York Representatives will receive a bottle of premium New York wine with a personal note.

“Farm Day is a unique and important opportunity for us to showcase the best of what New York ’s farmers and producers have to offer. Every year we bring New York to Washington DC and I am thrilled that this has become such an anticipated event on the Congressional calendar. New York ’s farmers and producers are some of the best in the world and this is a great opportunity to spread the word even further about the quality of our produce. I know we are all looking forward to sampling some of the incredible wine, food and produce that will be on display,” Senator Clinton said.