GREENE – The Commissioner of NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, Darrel Aubertine will be speaking at the Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Monday, which will be held at the Silo Restaurant in Greene starting at 7 p.m.

Aubertine was appointed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on January 10, 2011, and tasked with leading the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. As Commissioner, Aubertine oversees the agency’s 500 employees who work to ensure a safe food supply, the conservation of productive lands and a vibrant agricultural industry in New York State.

Aubertine joined the executive branch of state government after serving in the legislative branch for eight years. During his tenure in the legislature, Aubertine was a strong advocate for farmers and rural, upstate citizens. He proudly served as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, as well as the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources and others. In those roles, he was committed to reducing the cost of doing business, helping farmers market their products, and highlighted the role farms will play in producing energy, as well as food in the future.

Chenango County Farm Bureau President, Bradd Vickers said, “We are delighted that the Commissioner will be joining us. I’m sure he will feel right at home with residents from Chenango and surrounding counties. Darrel came from a small family dairy farm in Cape Vincent, New York, where he was born and raised, much like the farms here. Today, Darrel no longer milks cows, but continues to raise animals and grow crops on his sixth generation farm with his wife, Margaret.”

“Agriculture is the number one industry in New York State and Chenango County. We will be recognizing the importance of agriculture, our heritage of agriculture, and the hard working, dedicated farm families of Chenango County,” Vickers said.

Should you have any questions about Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual meeting, contact the CCFB at 334-6061.