Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., enjoys raw oysters at her annual New York Farm Day reception Tuesday evening while her son Theodore, 9, decides whether to try them. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)

Bonnie Hampton of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation displays wheat beer made by the Brooklyn Brewery. The beer is made from 70 percent New York wheat and barley, but the company needs so much wheat and barley it has to buy some from other states. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., showcased some of her state’s best food and beverages at her annual New York Farm Day reception Tuesday night at the Russell Senate Office Building.

This marked the 12th year for the event, which was started by former Sen. Hillary Clinton.

“As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I am focused on improving the health of our economy and the health of our families,” Gillibrand said.

“From rising childhood obesity and outdated nutritional standards to the economic crisis facing our dairy farmers and specialty crop farmers, agriculture issues in Washington affect families in every corner of New York. Strengthening our agricultural sector and promoting good nutrition for New Yorkers are essential to our long-term health and economic growth.”

Chloe Starr of Cornell University shows New York blue and semi-soft cheeses that have been brought up to grocery store production standards through a three-year program financed by Wegman’s, a regional grocery store chain that sells the cheeses. Cornell is New York’s land grant college, and its agriculture extension service is also involved in the project. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)


Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., at left in background, tries some Long Island wine and talks to industry officials as another pours tastes for attendees at Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s New York Farm Day. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tester was on the way to the gym when he lured him to the reception. Schumer noted that the annual reception has grown since former New York Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton started it. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)