Media Press Conference this Wednesday: The Effects of Hurricane Irene on Ulster County Farms
This Wednesday Sept. 14th there will be a press conference at Wallkill View Farms, 15 Route 299 W in New Paltz at 11:00 AM. Farmers, government officials and press will convene at this family farm operation that like so many other farms in Ulster County and throughout the northeast experienced extensive damage and crop loss as a result of the flooding from Hurricane Irene.
Also, we have organized a short bus tour of just a few of the many farms in Ulster that are trying to recover from the destruction of Hurricane Irene. This tour will begin at 9:45, leaving from Cornell Cooperative Extension at 10 Westbrook Lane in Kingston.( Meet at 9:30 AM) The bus will stop at Wallkill View Farm at 11:00 AM and return to Kingston by 1:00 PM. Please let me know if you plan to be on the bus.
I hope you can attend so you can hear from area farmers about the severity of damage to their crops and erosion of fertile topsoil from the fields. So far, I have estimated about 3000 acres of vegetable production effected in Ulster County alone with crop loss and damage in the millions. The damage from Hurricane Irene will continue to impact farmers for years ahead as they try to pull resources together to rehabilitate fields, purchase seed and fertilizer after losing their crops and income this season.
Please call me to get further details and to let me know if you or a representative from your office would be able to attend. Please note this press conference is not open to the general public.
The farmers appreciate any assistance that you and your office can give.
Regards,
Teresa Rusinek
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
Cell 845-389-3562
Office 845 340-3990 ext. 315
