Schoharie Farmer Nominated As Commissioner of NY Agriculture

A Schoharie farmer has been nominated by Governor Cuomo to become the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

A native of New York state, Richard A. Ball has worked in agriculture his entire life; his grandparents were dairy farmers.  For the past 20 years, he has been the owner and operator of the 200 acre Schoharie Valley Farms, which produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops.

Mr. Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level, including Vice President of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, President of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce, and executive member of the the American Farm Bureau.

“Richard Ball is a lifelong farmer and advocate for sound farm policy who will bring fresh ideas and strong leadership to the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” Governor Cuomo said. “Agriculture is a vital sector of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, food for people around the globe, and a way of life for generations of New Yorkers. Richard embodies the proud tradition of farming here in New York State and will be a superb addition to this Administration.”