By Blake Jackson
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club hosted its annual Rural Urban Day, bringing together farmers, business owners, and community members for a discussion on the agricultural industry.
Catharine Young, head of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, was the keynote speaker. Her presentation covered a wide range of topics, including best practices, technological advancements, and the role of entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Young highlighted the Center's success in supporting businesses. Over 300 companies have benefited from their services, resulting in over $70 million in economic growth and 300 new jobs. The Center provides resources like business mentoring, connections to Cornell's expertise, and assistance with partnerships and funding.
Prior to her current role, Young served in the state Senate, becoming the first woman to chair the Finance Committee. She also championed agriculture through her leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the founding of the Legislative Wine and Grape Caucus.
Young's personal connection to agriculture is strong – she grew up working on a family dairy and grain farm in New York. This experience continues to shape her work in supporting and promoting a thriving agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: New York, Business