Education-Driven Engagement

Offers educational programming focused on soil health, including workshops, training sessions, and outreach to farmers and land stewards in Western New York.

Funds and administers a scholarship program for high school graduates who are family members or employees of Christmas tree farms in New York.

Advocates for policies and practices that protect the environment and strengthen the economic contributions of the Christmas tree industry in New York State.

Operates a farm locator tool that helps the public find Christmas tree farms in New York State, supporting direct consumer access to local farms.

Hosts two annual educational conferences and an annual summer meeting for Christmas tree growers to share knowledge on planting, harvesting, chemical use, and environmentally healthy practices.

Participates in the National Trees for Troops program by contributing farm-grown Christmas trees for distribution to U.S. military service members and their families, including participation in 2019.

Highlights the environmental impact of Real New York Christmas tree farming, including carbon dioxide removal (over 500 pounds per acre annually and 2.125 tons total), oxygen production (5,740 tons annually), and sustainable replanting practices (two to three seedlings planted per tree harvested).

Offers educational materials including presentations, activities, and pamphlets on best practices in Christmas tree cultivation and proper care of trees; provides guidance on species-specific planting conditions such as for Turkish firs.

Conducts public outreach to promote the purchase and proper care of farm-grown real Christmas trees, emphasizing environmental benefits, family traditions, and safe use.

Promotes and supports Christmas tree farms that offer family-oriented activities such as visits from Santa, reindeer displays, and refreshment shops to enhance the holiday experience.

Advocates for commercial agriculture and represents members' interests via a grassroots, member-driven structure, including organizing legislative visits, meeting with state and local officials, and engaging with agricultural advisory committees across all towns on local issues. The organization has met with over 60 state and county officials and hosted federal, state, and local officials to discuss agricultural concerns.

Develops programs for young and new farmers and conducts public education and engagement initiatives to strengthen the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Hosts an annual golf fundraiser at Laurel Links Country Club, identified as the organization’s biggest fundraiser, to support the protection and strengthening of the Long Island agricultural industry.

Organizes advocacy efforts, legislative visits, and leadership events to amplify the voices of young people in agriculture, contributing to youth leadership development within the farming community.

Provides direct support to members by addressing concerns related to local and state laws and codes, and enrolls members into Long Island Farm Bureau upon joining New York Farm Bureau.

Supports public engagement and promotes local agriculture by providing agricultural information and media support to journalists upon request and offering high-resolution agricultural photos to the media at no cost, with requirements for proper attribution.

Provides tours, trainings, and hands-on learning opportunities to build technical and business skills for young farmers, while hosting meet-ups, farm tours, and social events—including a spring social event with farm tours and networking—to connect young farmers with peers, mentors, and industry partners.

Operates the Daniel Parish Witter Agricultural Museum to preserve and showcase the history of agriculture in New York State.