ROOM AT THE TABLE - Intersight - University at Buffalo

Appendix E - Resources
1. List of Erie County Food System Stakeholders
2. Farmers Survey
3. Model Resolution establishing Dane County, WI Food Policy
Council
List of Erie County Food System Stakeholders:
This appendix includes individuals and organizations that should be made
aware of the completed Erie County Food Systems Assessment. Beyond general
awareness, many of these groups are current or potential actors in the local food
system, whether as advocates, program administrators, economic development
professionals or consumers. Increased awareness of the opportunities and
challenges of agricultural production should lead to increased connections between
producers like farmers, forming business and sales development opportunities.
A. Federal Government (elected):
Federal representatives help determine national agricultural subsidies and
programs, including but not limited to the U.S. Farm Bill and other food­related
legislation. Other national priorities like infrastructure, transportation and
economic development also impact the agricultural industry.
The two U.S. Senators represent the entire state, while the four Congress
members have all or part of their district falling within Erie County. Western New
York may lose a House seat because NYS experienced a decline in population, as
evidenced in the 2010 Census.
U.S. Senators: Charles Schumer (D), Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
U.S. Representatives: Kathy Hochul (D­26th), Brian Higgins (D­27th),
Louise Slaughter (D­28th), Tom Reed (R­29th)
B. State Government (elected):
State Representatives help drive state economic development funds for all
purposes, including agriculture. The State Senate has four year terms, and the
Assembly is elected every two years. Below are Senators and Assembly Members
having jurisdictions which include part of Erie County.
NYS Senate (http://www.nysenate.gov): Timothy Kennedy (D­58th), Patrick
Gallivan (R­59th), Mark Grisanti (R­60th), Michael Ranzenhofer (R­61st), and
George Maziarz (R­62nd)
150
NYS Assembly (http://assembly.state.ny.us): Robin Schimminger
(D­140th), Crystal Peoples­Stokes (D­141st), Jane Corwin (R­142nd),
Dennis Gabryszak (D­143rd), Sean Ryan (D­144th), Kevin Smardz
(R­146th), Daniel Burling (R­147th), To Be Filled (145th), Vacant (148th)
C. Local Government (Departments):
The client for this report is Erie County’s Department of Environment and
Planning. Erie County administers a number of departments that intersect with
agriculture, including the “Agricultural Board.” The county website outlines the
following mission for the Board:
New York State Agriculture and Markets Law empowers counties
to create Agricultural and Farmland Protection Boards with a
broad­based membership to bring together farmers and government
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districts, bring appreciation of agriculture’s needs back to the broader
community, and build bridges and bring together diverse perspectives.
Erie County is led by the County Executive and Legislature. This is not an
exhaustive list of county departments; rather, it is a few examples of departments
and entities that may interact with farmers or local food:
i. County Executive: Mark Poloncarz was elected in November 2011, to
succeed Chris Collins.
ii. County Legislature: Downsized from (15) to (11) elected members,
starting in November 2011.
iii. >?15$%'?%&D$%;'#.&E%;0$,:6 In addition to running the Auto Bureau, this
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iv. Department of Purchasing: This department lists vendors and “RFPs/
Bids” for county purchases.
v. Department of Health: This department provides emergency services to
underserved residents, as well as providing for the inspection and safety
of food and food establishments.
vi. Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry: This department oversees
county parkland, including issuing permits for special events and other
space rentals, like farmer’s markets.
vii. Erie Community College: Founded in 1946, the college offers
over (90) degrees and programs across its three area campuses.