Government
Hearing on agri-tourism resort code canceled after farmers raise objections, supervisor says
A public hearing on the proposed agri-tourism resort code that was scheduled for Feb. 21 has been canceled, as town officials discuss changes sought by the farming community to ease restrictions on preserved land.
Business
Juan Micieli-Martinez, Riverhead winemaker, elected Long island Farm Bureau president
Juan Micieli Martinez, a Riverhead winemaker, was elected the new president of the Long Island Farm Bureau during the organization's annual meeting and dinner on Oct. 24.
Government
Local farm community expresses concerns about proposed parking ban on Sound Avenue
A representative of the Long Island Farm Bureau and individual farmers raised concerns about a proposed code revision that would ban parking on both sides of Sound Avenue for the whole of its 13-mile length in the Town of Riverhead.
News
Suffolk County announces $100 million farmland preservation initiative to reach goal set over 50 years ago
Suffolk County is committing $100 million over the next 10 years to preserve 10,000 acres of developable farmland, in order to reach the goal of preserving 30,000 acres set over 50 years ago.
Business
Pandemic brought ‘radical changes’ for Long Island’s last surviving duck farm
The coronavirus pandemic shut down the Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue for three months. Its owners are beginning to ramp up production again, hoping the restaurants that are its core market will make a comeback.
Business
Coronavirus pandemic may have big impacts on farm labor supply this spring
As the coronavirus epidemic spreads across the globe and travel bans are implemented, local farmers fear severe labor shortages this spring.
News
Farmers sound off on labor shortage; Zeldin pessimistic about a solution
“There's never been a point where I've been less optimistic that anything is going to get done about anything,” Rep.Lee Zeldin told L.I. Farm Bureau members at the organization's annual 'Coffee with the Congressman' event Saturday morning in Calverton.
News
Local farmers sound alarm to congressman: We don’t have enough workers
Local farmers, whose operations rely heavily on an immigrant workforce, told Rep. Lee Zeldin they are worried they won't have the labor they need to sustain their farms, vineyards and greenhouses. They want federal immigration reform to move forward.
Business Briefs
J. Kings donates 20,000 feet of warehouse space to Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Distribution, Long Island's largest hunger relief agency on Long Island will have an easier time distributing fresh foods and vegetables to the East End after receiving a 20 year no cost least of warehouse space from J. Kings Food Service.
Business
Farmers discuss struggles with ag visa program, onerous regulations and bureaucracy with Zeldin and Bellone
L.I. Farm Bureau hosted breakfast meetings on the first two Saturdays in April to allow members to speak directly with their congressman and county executive on issues of concern to them.