New Faces in Agribusiness in Columbia County

You're invited to learn about some very exciting New Faces in Agribusiness in Columbia County , presented by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. This year's Agricultural Business Brunch slated for March 11 will feature a panel of speakers focusing on Agribusiness followed by an update of the Columbia County Bounty.

The Chamber's Ag. Brunch is now the premier who's who event among the farm and restaurant community. Last year the event was sold out, and a huge success.

Grab a seat and learn who the new faces in agribusiness are and what they have in store for Columbia County for 2009 and beyond. The program will be emceed by Todd Erling of HudsonValley Agribusiness. The panel will include a representative from Local Ocean , Dominique DeVito with Hudson-Chatham Winery and Karyn Novakowski with Katchkie Farm.

Local Ocean is a seafood manufacturing company that will be establishing a controlled environment aquaculture fish farming project in Columbia County . Commercial aquaculture is the world's fastest growing food production method. The facility will use a closed filtered system to raise commercial quantities of both freshwater and saltwater fish that will supply seafood markets and retailers throughout the Northeast United States .

Hudson-Chatham Winery is owned and operated by Dominique and Carlo DeVito. The winery specializes in small hand-made batches of wine, is dedicated to the richness of the Hudson River Valley , particularly its wine, agriculture and many other attractions that make it a rich and special region. The DeVito's along with their many friends have worked hard restoring the winery's grounds and it's prestigious circa 1780 farmhouse.

Katchkie Farm is an organic farm in Kinderhook that was established in the summer of 2006. Their desire is to serve the freshest and most flavorful food, lead to a commitment to sustainable agriculture and the use of locally grown, organic produce used by Great Performances catering. This obsession with quality reconnects us with the land to savor its gifts. Also part of Katchkie Farm is the The Sylvia Center a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with other non-profits, school systems and community organizations to enhance children's health and nutrition.

Lori Selden of Columbia County Bounty will conclude our program with an update of the state of their organization. Columbia County Bounty was formed after one of our past agricultural brunches, by a group interested in how to connect local farmers with local chefs. Columbia County Bounty's mission is to promote and support networking connections between local agricultural producers and culinary businesses. We aim to educate out community about the preservation of our local farms through the purchase and use of local and regional sustainable foods and products not only from Columbia County , but also the entire Hudson Valley . Come and see what they are cooking up for their 2009 season and more.

The Agricultural Brunch will be held on Wednesday, March 11 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The event will be held at Hudson Park Restaurant located at 3521 Route 9 in Greenport/Livingston line. The cost is $15. Please contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 for reservations by March 6.

Supporting Sponsors of this event are Columbia Land Conservancy, First Pioneer Farm Credit and Hawthorne Valley Association.

Sponsoring all events throughout the year are Major Sponsors: E.P. Nevins Insurance, Inc., First Niagara Bank, Kinderhook Bank and Taconic Farms, Inc. Media Sponsors are Clear Channel Radio, Midhudsonmedia and The Register-Star/Chatham Courier.

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 .