Collaboration Delivers Benefits to Agriculture and Related Enterprises

The feature story "The Power of Collaboration"

The event helped prove the notion that “bigger is better” when it comes to promoting one’s own business. By cooperating to literally share and display the bounty of New York’s extraordinary agricultural heritage, dozens of businesses accrued some significant benefits.

Here’s more of what participants had to say:

Michele E. Ledoux, executive director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Lowville, N.Y.

“New York Farm Day was a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our quality products and to connect with other New York regions, vendors and restaurants. The North Country is just entering this arena of collaboration across groups, but we’ve learned that individual producers grow stronger when we band together.

Peter Saltonstall, owner, King Ferry Winery, King Ferry, N.Y.

“I went to Washington to meet legislators and their staffs. Through Senator Clinton and others, I’ve learned that they are available to help us.

“Senator Clinton has been a big help to New York agriculture and wineries. For example, last year she brought New York restaurants to the Finger Lakes to sample our food and wines. Debra Whiting, of Red Newt Bistro, was one of two chefs who prepared an innovative menu of local products. It was a big event that gave us exposure to New York City restaurants and also helped us teach others about our quality wines and produce.

“Collaboration is a powerful tool. When we band together to put a single face on the Finger Lakes, we can speak with a louder voice, just as we did in Washington.”

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