Chamber Hosts 8th Annual Agricultural Awareness Tour

Hudson, NY – The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 8th Annual Agricultural Awareness Tour on Saturday, June 30.  Over 35 attendees took part in this year's tour.  The guided tour visited three specific farms, but attendees were also given a wonderful back roads tour of the County by tour emcee, David Rifenburgh from First Pioneer Farm Credit.  David highlighted the many other farms and agricultural businesses that were passed along the route.  Following the tour attendees returned to Hawthorne Valley Farm to enjoy a lunch of local products.  Please click here to view the photo gallery.

The annual tour was created to educate and increase awareness of the socioeconomic impact that the agricultural sector has on Columbia County. Participants were able to get an in-depth look into Markristo Farm, Holmquest Farm and Hawthorne Valley Farm.

Markristo Farm is a certified organic family owned market garden. Martin and Christa Stosiek, have grown from a couple of acres to over 15, producing a diverse crop of vegetables, cut flowers, and bedding plants. They market all of their products locally through restaurants, farm stands, resorts, conference centers, an independently run organic wholesaler, and a fabulous farmer's market. They work to support the ideals of a local food system and enjoy connecting with those who purchase their products.

Holmquest Farms is a third generation farm run by Terri and Tom Holmes. They operate a farm stand and green house at their location and produce a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of these products include: strawberries, peppers, sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, pumpkins, a variety of flowers and much more. The farm stand is open seven days a week May through October.

Hawthorne Valley Farm is a 400-acre, diversified Biodynamic farm nestled in the hills of the Taconic Range and is part of the Hawthorne Valley Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to agriculture, education and the art. Other branches of the Association include a kindergarten through twelfth grade Waldorf School . The Farm is virtually self-sufficient, relying on its own feeds, manure, and compost. In keeping with the tenets of Biodynamic farming, which treats the land as a living organism, no fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides are used. The Association also boasts a Farm Store that includes a full line of groceries, produce, dairy products, fresh baked goods, organic and Biodynamic meats and poultry, a deli with light fare for take-out and much more.

First Niagara Bank and National Union Bank of Kinderhook are Major Sponsors of the tour. Midhudsonmedia and The Register-Star/Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors. Columbia Land Conservancy, First Pioneer Farm Credit and Hawthorne Valley Association are Supporting Sponsors.

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.