COBLESKILL - The Assembly Minority Task Force on the State of New York Agriculture today gathered testimony at a public forum from Schoharie County farmers about the challenges facing the region's farming community and discussed ways to strengthen the agricultural economy.

The Cobleskill event marks the tenth in a statewide series of farm tours and forums hosted by the Task Force to develop ways to improve New York's agricultural industry and increase public awareness of the products that many regions of the state have to offer.

"I know firsthand how important agriculture is to the region and am proud to bring this Task Force to Schoharie County," said Assemblyman Dan Hooker (R-Saugerties). "This is a chance for our local farmers to show off their operations and to tell us what we can do to make those operations even better."

Assemblyman Hooker was joined by Assembly Members from different regions of the state, including Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C-Long Island), Assemblyman Matthew Mirones (R,C-Staten Island, Brooklyn) and Assemblyman James N. Tedisco (R,C-Schenectady).

Prior to the forum, the Task Force toured the Argus Acres dairy farm in Sharon Springs, Smullen Stables in Cobleskill, the School Hill Farm in Cobleskill and Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie.

Schoharie County Farm Bureau President John Radliff said, "Agriculture is New York's number one industry, and it should be treated as such. We are so pleased that this Assembly Minority Task Force is taking the time to visit Schoharie County, tour our farms, and listen to what our farmers have to say."

"With each event, we get a better sense - collectively - of what can be done to protect New York's family farms," said Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R- Guilford), Task Force Chairman and Ranking Member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. "It is essential that farmers be given this opportunity to have a voice in the process that will help their industry thrive."

Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt (R,C,I-Albion) appointed the 12-member Task Force last year as a way to gauge the health of agriculture in New York.

"This Task Force has given its members the opportunity to visit many communities and study the challenges and strengths of the agricultural industry, both regionally and statewide," said Leader Nesbitt. "I established this Task Force at the request of farmers in my district and am pleased that it has visited nearly every corner of the state."

The Task Force plans to host additional regional events throughout the remainder of the year. Upcoming events are scheduled in Cattaraugus County on September 29, and in the Hudson Valley on October 6.