New York Farm Bureau Will Present Annual Service Awards
Agricultural leaders will be honored in Verona this December for their contributions to the state's farming community.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
The New York Farm Bureau has selected Donna Lupardo and Maureen Torrey for its Distinguished Service Award. The honors will be presented during an award dinner on December 3, 2026, in Verona.
Why it matters
This award recognizes leadership and service that have shaped the current agricultural landscape in New York. The event honors individuals who have significantly influenced policy and industry standards across the state.
The New York Farm Bureau announced two recipients for the 2026 Distinguished Service Award, marking a recognition of long-term agricultural leadership. The selection reflects a culmination of service figures, including a seven-year tenure as a Federal Reserve branch director.
The players
Donna Lupardo
A state assembly member for the 123rd District who has chaired the Assembly Agriculture Committee since 2019.
Maureen Torrey
A 12th-generation farmer at Torrey Farms who served on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Buffalo branch board.
New York Farm Bureau
A statewide organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the interests of New York agricultural producers.
The details
The award honors long-standing contributions to state agriculture through policy advocacy and industrial advisory roles. Donna Lupardo has shaped legislative oversight of the sector as the chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee since 2019, while Maureen Torrey has provided expertise as a director for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Buffalo branch and as the first chair of the USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
Timeline
December 3, 2026: The award dinner will take place in Verona.
October 8, 2026: The New York Farm Bureau issued a press release regarding the recipients.
Health Landscape
Agricultural policy often dictates the availability and safety standards of fresh produce in the state. This recognition highlights the ongoing evolution of these standards within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
Consumers interested in the origin of their food can track the policies established by leaders like these, which influence the safety and quality of local produce. Residents can monitor agricultural updates through the New York Farm Bureau to understand how state policies impact the local food supply.
The takeaway
Recognizing agricultural leadership provides insight into the forces that shape regional food production systems. Readers can stay informed about the local agricultural climate by following future policy discussions led by the state Assembly Agriculture Committee.
Further reading
Learn more about local production standards by visiting the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
