Your favorite farmer could win an award

WATKINS GLEN, NY — In recognition of the many contributions New York’s farmers make to New York’s communities, NY Farms! is accepting nominations for its fourth annual I Love My New York Farmer Awards.

To be eligible, farmers should live and sell within New York State. Factors to be considered in choosing the winning entry will be the farmer’s producing a quality product, being a good steward of the land, being a good neighbor, serving the community and going the extra mile. Award categories are Dairy, Other Livestock, Field Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Wine and Grapes, NY Specialties (e.g. honey, maple syrup), Floriculture and Tree Farms, Young Farmer (under age 18) and Urban Farmer.

Entries must be received by December 15. To submit an entry, describe in 250 words or less the reasons you love a NY Farmer, and submit description with your name, address, phone number and email, plus the name, address, phone number and email of the farmer you are describing, by email to nyfarms@nyfarms.info, by mail to NY Farms!, P.O. Box 210, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, or by fax to 607/535-9794. You may submit more than one entry.

2007 award winners will be announced January 10, 2008 at the Agricultural Society annual forum, and winning entries will be posted on the NY Farms! website, shared through press releases, and included in the traveling NY Farms! photo exhibit. Farmers featured in the winning entries will receive an all-weather sign highlighting their achievement that can be displayed at farms, farm stands or markets.

For more information visit nyfarms.info.