ALBANY – New York State’s dairy farmers and Chenango County’s own Chobani Greek-style Yogurt were in the limelight Wednesday during a so-called “yogurt summit” hosted by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The event attracted stakeholders and officials from all facets of the industry, from farmers and yogurt manufacturers to officials from Agriculture and Markets, the New York Power Authority, Cornell University and the Farm Land Trust. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers said the size and scope of the event was perhaps its most impressive aspect.

“The most important piece of this whole thing is ag is finally sitting at the table and the governor of the State of New York is finally looking at the fact that ag is a key player in how New York State operates,” said Vickers.

Demand for dairy has increased significantly with the success of Chobani, the nation’s number three yogurt manufacturer, and with other Greek-style yogurt makers setting up shop in the state. Greek yogurt is creamier, less sweet tasting yogurt than more traditional yogurt and requires three times as much milk in its production. As a result, manufacturers are being forced to look outside the state for milk.