A luncheon was held September 28 for all Erie County Legislators and Western New York media to showcase the variety of foods grown and produced in Erie County and Western New York, sponsored by Erie County Legislator Bob Reynolds (D-Hamburg, Evans) in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and the Erie County Farm Bureau.

"Over 20 percent of land in Erie County is based in agriculture," Legislator Reynolds said. "Additionally, Erie County farms employ nearly 1,900 people and invest more than $30.4 million on animal feed, new livestock, seed, fertilizers and petroleum products. So clearly, the agriculture industry is a force to be acknowledged and supported by all in Erie County. And that is exactly why we organized this showcase luncheon of WNY area home grown and produced foods."

Farms participating in the Savor the WNY Flavors Lunch included: Bippert Farms, Elma, potatoes; Slaw Man, Java, cole slaw; Yancy's Fancy, Wyoming County, cheese; Nice Farm, Niagara County, peaches in cobbler; Newroyal Farm, Niagara County, apples in cobbler; Upstate Farms, Buffalo, milk, and Stonehill Orchards, North Collins, apples. Food for the luncheon was also donated by Wendel's Poultry, Springville, chicken, and Great Harvest, East Aurora, bread.

Diane Held, Extension Educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie Count, served as the luncheon coordinator for the luncheon. She noted the importance of awareness and support of the local agricultural industry.

"Erie County's urban and suburban populations greatly benefit from the thriving agricultural industry that exists in this area offering a wide range of fresh, healthy agricultural products sold at roadside stands, farm markets, stores and restaurants throughout Western New York," she said. "This luncheon is one of a series of events that we at Cornell Cooperative Extension are undertaking to build awareness and appreciation for the farmers and growers who add so much to the economics and the quality of life here in Western New York."

Additional information on the Erie County Farm Bureau or the Cornell Cooperative Extension is available at www.cce.cornell.edu.erie.

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