Join Ulster Strong for a panel discussion with six local growers in Ulster County and learn why we think “The future of Agriculture is Female.”

Together we will discuss the business of Agriculture in Ulster County, how it has changed over generations, the challenges it faces in our current economy and how to make it sustainable for future generations. We will unpack themes of what the future of agriculture will be if we don’t do more to sustain this vital sector of our economy.

Hosted at:

Nostrano Vineyards14 Gale Lane

Milton, NY

Thursday, May 9th, 5:30pm

RSVP: bWJpYW5jbyB8IHVsc3RlcnN0cm9uZyAhIGNvbQ==

Meet the Panelists:

Nic Bozzo, Nostrano Vineyards

Nic was born and raised on his family’s farm in Milton, NY; attended SUNY ESF at Syracuse University acquiring his Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. During his Senior year of college he traveled to New Zealand to further his knowledge in Eco-Agricultural Tourism and Winery Design. Interested in Sustainability, Land Management and the shear beauty of a working landscape such as a vineyard, Nic saw potential back in the Hudson Valley at his families 65 acre fruit-farm.

Nic has been utilizing his knowledge to design and establish a modern and rural family style vineyard and boutique winery reflecting his family’s heritage.

Samantha Boylan, Wrights Farm, Gardiner, NY

Samantha works actively to grow her family’s six-generation farm in Gardiner, NY. Wright’s Farm is currently run by three generations (Theodore Wright (84, 3rd generation), Tammy Boylan (59, 4th generation) and her husband Mike Boylan, along with all three of their children (5th generation) Colin, Samantha, and Mackenzie). Samantha is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and takes a lead role in the business functions of Wright’s Farm. She has an ingrained sense of what it takes to be a working farmer in her community and leads with sustainability and consideration for the viability Wright’s farm. She along with her siblings have opened Gardiner Brewing Company and work together to transition a traditional commercial apple growing operation into something that is diversified and sustainable.

Helene Dembroski, Demroski Orchards, Plattekill, NY

Helene was born and raised in Plattekill, NY on her family's apple farm. She attended SUNY Cobleskill for soil science and crop production and is a graduate of LEAD NY. Helene is a co-owner of Dembroski Orchards with her brother Alex. They took over the farm from their father Alex a few years ago. She brings 20+ years of experience in apple production and packing. She is a leading expert in agriculture food safety and production with over 15 years’ experience. She works tirelessly to advocate for growers throughout New York State and has brought apples and apple products to the #tastofnewyork farmers market and #applesfromNY to all parts of New York State including Thruway Rest stops, in our local schools and stores. Helene seeks other's perspectives and uses farmer's markets to get direct feedback from consumers as to what kinds of apples and apple qualities they prefer. She believes it's important to be connected to your consumers to ensure you're growing the products they desire. Her goal is to drive advocacy efforts to connect the policymakers to the producers, keep the lines of communication open, and work together to ensure agriculture doesn't get regulated out of New York State. She also advocated for NY children in school to consume NY food.

Alisha Albinder, Vice President of Sale & Marketing, Owner/Operator Hudson River Fruit Distributors, Milton, NY

Alisha has proven to be a fierce leader in the industry, immersing herself in numerous industry boards and leadership programs. As a fourth-generation owner and operator of Hudson River Fruit, she has taken the company to new levels, implementing operational improvements, new production equipment and creating a strategic vision for the 59-year-old company. Since she joined it, the company has seen tremendous growth, both in revenue and profits. With her operational expertise, the company has increased production capacity and implemented technology to streamline processes. She has spearheaded new packaging designs and marketing for Hudson River and has been instrumental in bringing new apple varieties, Snapdragon and RubyFrost, successfully to market.

Amy & Gail Hepworth, Hepworth Farms, Milton, NY

(Details to come)

Casey Erdmann, Fjord Vineyards, Marlboro, NY

Founded in 2013 by Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann, Fjord Vineyards strives to craft wines that reflect where they are grown. The Hudson River flows through one of the oldest fjords in North America, flanked by Storm King Mountain to the west and Mt. Beacon to the east. Acting as a gateway to the Hudson Highlands, this geological wonder helps create the unique microclimate that allows high quality grapes to be grown and was the inspiration behind the name of the winery, Fjord Vineyards.

For more than a decade, Matthew has been sustainably producing world class wines in the Hudson Valley. Casey provides the social media marketing and sales support and runs the Fjord Vineyards tasting room. Matt and Casey produce elegant sustainable wines that speak to the distinct character of the region. They produce wines made with Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Albariño , Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes as well as more cold-hardy hybrid cultivars.

Moderator: Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Tourism & Office for Film

Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Tourism & Office for Film has worked for worked for county government for nearly twenty years. Over her tenure she has led Ulster County’s Office of Employment & Training, the Ulster County Workforce Development Board, and the Office of Economic Development. As the Director of Tourism, Lisa oversees and directs all aspects of the county’s tourism efforts. She has won awards from I Love New York and the New York State Tourism Industry Association for the best use of data to drive results, and for the best overall marketing campaign in the state.

Lisa grew up on a 500-acre fruit farm in Ulster County. She recognizes that much of the county’s tourist appeal comes from the working landscapes our farmers provide and is grateful to the grower’s dedication to the land, farming and striving to keep their businesses going.