Sag Harbor, NY – On Friday, May 23, Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, a member of the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee, welcomed Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo to the East End for a tour of local farms and agricultural sites. The tour highlighted the region’s diverse farming operations and the challenges facing East End agriculture.

Southold Town Supervisor Albert Krupski led the tour, and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined for the first leg, which included visits to Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, 8 Hands Farm in Cutchogue, Little Ram Oyster Company in Southold, Oysterponds Farm in Orient, and a U.S. Geological Survey test well site in the Oysterponds School District.

“This tour was an excellent opportunity to showcase the East End’s unique and vital agricultural economy to Chair Lupardo,” said Assemblyman Schiavoni. “Our farms are leaders in innovation and sustainability, and they play a critical role in feeding our communities and protecting our environment. I thank Chair Lupardo for visiting, and I am grateful to our local farmers for sharing their time and knowledge.”

At Crescent Duck Farm, the group learned about Long Island’s historic duck farming industry and saw firsthand the effort of the Corwin family to repopulate the last remaining commercial duck farm on Long Island following the spread of Avian Influenza. At 8 Hands Farm, they toured pastures, the on-site butcher shop, and enjoyed a farm-sourced lunch while discussing sustainable livestock practices.

The afternoon included visits to the woman-owned Little Ram Oyster Company, which focuses on sustainable shellfish aquaculture, and Oysterponds Farm, known for its berry production and innovative irrigation practices. The tour concluded with a discussion on groundwater monitoring at the USGS test well in Orient.

Assembly Agriculture Chair Donna Lupardo said, “It’s always a pleasure to visit the East End of Long Island. I never cease to be amazed by its rich diversity of agricultural activities. I’d like to thank my colleague Assemblyman Schiavoni and Supervisor Krupski for organizing the visit. It was a great chance to learn about the unique challenges and opportunities facing our farm producers. We always come away with a long “to-do” list.”

Southold Town Supervisor Albert Krupski said, “Agriculture and its associated land use are such an integral part of our economy and the community as a whole. I appreciate the time our NYS partners took to visit North Fork agricultural operations, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to help this important industry thrive.”

“Every farm on Long Island's East End tells a story not just of crops or livestock, but of families who’ve poured generations of passion and perseverance into the land, and that's exactly what was seen during the East End Farm Tour. I want to thank Assemblyman Schiavoni for organizing this tour and Chair Lupardo for taking the time to see firsthand the incredible work happening on Long Island’s East End. The East End isn’t just about growing food; it’s about growing sustainability and pride in tradition. This is why making sure our local farmers have the tools they need to thrive and be successful is critical for our state's agricultural economy, because when we invest in agriculture, we’re investing in the future of Long Island,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.

Assemblyman Schiavoni remains committed to supporting family farms, protecting farmland, and advancing policies that strengthen New York’s agricultural communities.