Joe Gergela

"He was the face of Long Island farming." Colleagues and friends remember Joe Gergela as a tireless advocate for farmers and farming on Long Island who fought for survival of the industry with passion and dedication.

Longtime farm bureau executive director Joe Gergela, who's retiring in December, received a leadership award from the North Fork Environmental Council Friday— and used the opportunity to advocate for farmers on pesticide use, overregulation, the deer cull and land preservation, among other things

Joe Gergela will receive the 2014 Paul Stoutenburgh Leadership Award at Chili Night, which will feature top local restaurants vying for the win.