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Agribusiness

BUFFALO NIAGARA PARTNERSHIP
2009/10 Agribusiness Industry Action Agenda

Our agricultural heritage, logistics capability, and manufacturing bench strength combine to make Buffalo Niagara one of the top food and food processing centers in the nation. Agribusiness is the region's largest employer – well over a thousand food and food processing companies make their home here. New York is the third-largest dairy producing state in the U.S., and much of that industry is concentrated in Buffalo Niagara. Grain-related food producers take advantage of Buffalo Niagara’s location. Grain is barged in via the St. Lawrence Seaway from the Midwest and Canadian bread baskets. In addition, Western New York is one of the country’s most important wine growing regions.

Coordinate with agribusiness industry groups on supply chain / “Buy Local” efforts
Through events and cooperative advocacy efforts related to specific legislation, collaborate with agribusiness industry and economic development partners to support local supply chains and business-to-business opportunities within the region.

Advocacy on behalf of the agribusiness industry
Monitor, advocate in opposition to, and/or provide solutions for legislation at the state and federal level that burdens or hinders agribusiness production, processing, distribution or sales, including, but not limited to:

• Defeat of the proposed NYS Farm Workers Bill (A.1867/S.2247)
• Defeat of the proposed Clean Water Restoration Act (S.787)
• Passage of federal legislation and/or regulatory changes to reform the H2a program into an efficient and cost-effective means of securing seasonal and year-round workers
• Defeat NYS efforts to impose truck traffic regulations in rural areas

Increase broadband access in rural areas
Work with entities in federal and NYS governments toward the implementation of broadband service in the region’s rural areas for use by the agribusiness industry for education, sharing of information and communication.

Cross-promote agribusiness with other industry clusters
Use the Partnership’s business-to-business connections to engage agribusinesses employers with other industry clusters to help growth and market expansion, particularly the logistics industry.

Employer Outreach
Engage in regular outreach visits with agribusiness industry employers in coordination with the efforts of other strategic partners, including BNE, ECIDA, Erie County, City of Buffalo and ESD to ensure Partnership activities are aligned with the needs and opportunities of our members.

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The agenda is also available as a .PDF

Looking for one-on-one support with a specific issue, problem or opportunity?
Contact the Buffalo Niagara Partnership staff lead for your sector: 

Agri-Business: Craig Turner

Keep in mind that Partnership councils and committees offer industry and issue-specific opportunities for networking; education and making a difference in the region... get involved today!

Thank you to our Industry Sponsors:

For more information on the Agribusiness Industry please contact Craig Turner at 716.541.1765 or email cturner@thepartnership.org