Come and Learn about the New Faces of Farming in Columbia County

Hudson, NY – You're invited to learn about some very exciting new initiatives in Columbia County from the farm to chef program, to an expansion of services from just your regular apple farm, to a new Agribusiness development corporation.

The Agricultural Brunch hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will be held on March 14 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. This year's brunch will feature a panel of speakers focusing on “The New Faces of Farming in Columbia County ” and their very exciting field to table initiatives.

The panel will be moderated by Phil Gottwals of Agricultural & Community Development Services (ACDS, LLC). Mr. Gottwals will speak about the economic importance of agriculture in Columbia County . Mr. Gottwals is the founding Principal of ACDS, LLC and directs the company's agricultural and rural economic development services.

The panel will feature speakers from the Farm to Chef Program. This idea was created from information presented at last year's Agricultural Brunch. This Committee of the Chamber has been working for a year to make connections between local farmers and chefs to make products available locally. The committee will unveil the guide of farmers and chefs at the Agricultural Brunch and speak about the next steps for the project. You will hear from local farmers and chefs about the program, how to use the guide and how this program will impact the farm community.

You will also hear from a new innovative business called Harvest Spirits, LLC. While housed on the same land, this new business will be separate from the well-known family business, Golden Harvest Farms. Business owners, Derek Grout and Thomas Crowell will speak about their initiative of a vodka distillery. Golden Harvest produces an over-abundance of utility and cider-grade apples every year, but unfortunately they don't generate a lot of income on the wholesale market. With vodka being the most popular distilled alcoholic beverage consumed in the US , there is little hand-made, batch-distilled vodka available. The project focuses on using available resources to further promote agriculture in the region.

The final presenter will be Todd Erling, Executive Director from the newly developed Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC). HVADC was created to aid in the development, promotion, enhancement and retention of the agricultural industry and its associated economic and environmental benefits within New York 's Hudson Valley . Two Hudson Valley Counties , Columbia and Orange have joined forces to help establish Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development. Each county will be responsible for providing personnel and financial resources for the development of the project.

The brunch will be held at Bridges at the St. Charles Hotel located at 16-18 Park Place in Hudson. The brunch has sold out. Please contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 for more information.

First Niagara Bank and National Union Bank of Kinderhook are Major Sponsors. Midhudsonmedia and The Register-Star/Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors. First Pioneer Farm Credit and Hawthorne Valley Association is a Supporting Sponsor.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.