Recent News from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

Public Meeting Notice: New York State Soil & Water Conservation Committee Meeting

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:27:01 -0000

In compliance with the Open Meetings Law, the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee gives notice that it will conduct a State Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 10:00 am. The meeting will be held in Conference Room A of...

Commissioner Asks USDA to Consider Class I Floor for Milk Prices

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:53:44 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently wrote to USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack encouraging him to consider the benefits of establishing a national floor for the Class I prices. By doing so, Class I prices for fluid milk wou...

March 15 Is Deadline for Crop Insurance in 2010

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:03:41 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today reminded producers of the upcoming March 15 deadline for purchasing or modifying crop insurance policies for the 2010 growing season. Crop insurance provides farmers with a level of assu...

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in Repackaged "Fruit Mix" and "Mixed Nuts"

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:06:52 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Apna Bazar Cash & Carry, 72-20 37th Ave., Jackson Heights, New York 11372 is recalling certain in-store repackaged "Fruit Mix" and "Mixed Nuts" due to the pres...

Consumer Alert: Possible Botulism Contamination in Treknas Atlantic Herring

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:58:42 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Brighton Bazaar Inc. of Brooklyn, New York is recalling Treknas Atlantic Herring, because the product was uneviscerated and has the potential to be contaminated wi...

Governor Paterson Accepts Council on Food Policy Report

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:45:49 -0000

Governor David A. Paterson received the New York State Council on Food Policy's annual report and recommendations titled, "Making Connections: Developing a Food System for a Healthier New York State." Authorized by Executive Order #13, the Council...

Statement from Commissioner Patrick Hooker

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:27:57 -0000

"USDA's announcement this morning of the implementation of the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Program is an early Christmas present for our dairy farmers who have been struggling with low milk prices for the past 18 months. Governor Paterson led t...

Dec. 25: Deadline for Reporting Losses on Unharvested Crops

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:03:15 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted producers that December 25, 2009 is the deadline for notifying their crop insurance agent to file a notice of loss and request an extension of time for unharvested acreage or del...

State to Help Dairy Farmers Address Market Volatility

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:31:40 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced four upcoming workshops designed to help dairy farmers optimize their income while minimizing risk during times of uncertain and volatile milk and input prices.

Farmers' Markets Open for the Holidays in New York State

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:53:33 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today encouraged consumers to shop at farmers' markets during the holiday season. There are currently more than 60 farmers' markets throughout the State operating during the holidays in both o...

Commissioner: Buy a New York Grown Christmas Tree

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:23:10 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today encouraged consumers to buy a real, New York grown Christmas tree this holiday season. The Commissioner visited Moore Tree Farm in Groton (Tompkins County), owned by the president of the...

Media Advisory - Commissioner to Tout Real, New York Grown Christmas Trees

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:35:22 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker will be visiting Moore Tree Farm in Groton on November 30, 2009 at 10:30 am to tout the benefits of harvesting a New York grown Christmas tree. This event will celebrate the notable Christmas ...

State Offers Tips on How to Serve It Safely on Thanksgiving

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:56:57 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. today reminded consumers to follow cooking and preparation tips when preparing meals during the upcoming holiday season. Many foodborne illnesse...

Commissioner Receives Maple Task Force Report

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:55:42 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today received the Maple Task Force's Final Report, which includes a summary of the obstacles and opportunities facing the industry, as well as four recommendations on how to grow the industry...

CONSUMER ALERT: Undeclared Sulfites in "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix"

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:35:44 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Agro Foods Inc., in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is recalling "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who h...

State to Survey Farmland Protection Program Participants

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:36:11 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced that the National Agricultural Statistics Service's New York field office will be conducting a survey of participants in New York State's Farmland Protection Program.

Commissioner Announces $1 Million for New York Specialty Crops

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:41:48 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced $989,664 in grants for 11 projects that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in New York State. Funded and approved by the United States Department of Agricultur...

NYS Council on Food Policy to Meet October 20 in Ithaca

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:07:19 -0000

The Governor's New York State Council on Food Policy will hold its annual fall meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Moakley House, 215 Warren Road in Ithaca, New York.

New York Apples to Be Offered at 12 NYS Thruway Stores

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:16:01 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced that local New York State apples will be offered at the convenience stores located at 12 New York State Thruway plazas across the State.

New York State Thruway to Offer More Locally Grown Products

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:37:48 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker will be at the New Baltimore Thruway travel plaza on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 11:00 am to announce a new agreement that will provide Thruway travelers with more options to obtain a fresh, l...

Commissioner Hooker Announces Farm to You Fest 2009!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:19:00 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced Farm to You Fest 2009! will take place in schools and communities throughout New York State during the week of October 5 -11. Officially known as New York Harvest for New York ...

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Ziolopex Bakaliada Morele Suszone (Dried Apricots)"

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:53:02 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Adamba Imports International, Inc., located at 585 Meserole Street, Brooklyn, New York is recalling "Ziolopex Bakaliada Morele Suszone (Dried Apricots)" due to the...

New York State Provides Funds to Boost Wholesale Farmers' Market in the Bronx

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:40:08 -0000

The State of New York today awarded $296,000 to the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) to manage, promote and expand the city's only wholesale farmers' market, operating at the New Fulton Fish Market at Hunts Point in the Bronx. T...

'Pride of NY Harvest Week' at Walmart Stores This Week

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:09:19 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced that Walmart stores across the State will be highlighting locally grown and produced food in celebration of its annual "Pride of New York Harvest Week" that runs September 22 –...

Commissioner Announces New Chair, Members for Soil & Water

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:22:26 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced the newly-elected Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, as well as two new members. The mission of the New York State Soil and Water Conservatio...

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Island Snacks Natures Mix"

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:32:15 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Snack King Foods, Inc., located at 675 Pullman Avenue, Rochester, New York is recalling "Island Snacks Natures Mix" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. Peo...

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:13:43 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Cleopatra Candy Inc., located at 1135 E 95th Street, Brooklyn, New York is recalling "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. Peo...

Commissioner Announces State Eco-Friendly Farming Award

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:04:47 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today recognized Tom and Elaine Trinder of Fabius as the recipients of the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award. The Trinders, sponsored by the Onondaga County Soi...

State Announces Albany Location of New $40 Million Food Lab

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:02:01 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and New York State Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan today announced that a new $40 million laboratory facility will be constructed at the Harriman Research and Technology C...

Major Construction Project to Be Announced in Albany

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:38:36 -0000

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and New York State Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan will announce the future site of a multi-million dollar construction project at the Harriman State Office Campus in Alba...