Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D – Columbia, Dutchess) attended the 170th Annual Dutchess County Fair with New York State Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and his wife, Shirley, on Saturday, August 30. The group was guided by General Manager of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Andy Imperati.

Commissioner Ball and Assemblymember Barrett discussed agriculture issues throughout the tour, including farmland protection, food security, making farming more accessible to returning veterans, farmworker labor issues, and efforts to smooth transitions and support for both younger and older farmers.

Mr. Imperati showed recent upgrades to the fairgrounds and proudly reported on its economic impact on our region. The Dutchess County Fair is one of the most successful in the state and in recent years has saved several historic structures, as well, including the old Pleasant Valley Rail Station; the gazebo from the original county fairgrounds in Washington Hollow; and the 19th Century Mt. Ross School from Pine Plains.

Photos from this tour can be found in the attachments and below. For more information, please contact Assemblymember Didi Barrett’s district office at (845) 454-1703.