Farm Bureau Will Honor Lupardo and Torrey
The New York Farm Bureau will present its Distinguished Service Award to the two honorees this December in Verona.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
Donna Lupardo and Maureen Torrey have been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the New York Farm Bureau. The organization will present the honors at a dinner on December 3, 2026, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Why it matters
The award recognizes significant leadership and commitment to the advancement of New York agriculture. It highlights the efforts of policymakers and industry veterans in strengthening the state's agricultural sector.
Donna Lupardo represents the 123rd Assembly District, while Maureen Torrey brings experience from her 12th-generation family farm. Torrey previously served seven years as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Buffalo branch.
The players
Donna Lupardo
She has served as the chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee since 2019 and is retiring at the end of the 2026 legislative term.
Maureen Torrey
She is a 12th-generation member of Torrey Farms and served as the first chair of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
New York Farm Bureau
This is a non-governmental organization that advocates for the interests of farmers and represents the agricultural industry across New York.
The details
The presentation will occur during the New York Farm Bureau's State Annual Convention in Verona. Interested members of the public can access registration for the event through an official online portal.
Timeline
December 3, 2026: Award dinner will occur in Verona.
October 8, 2026: New York Farm Bureau issued the press release.
Culture Shift
The recognition of these leaders underscores a growing societal focus on sustainable food systems and regional agricultural security. By honoring figures who bridge policy and production, the industry reinforces the importance of long-term stewardship in a changing economic landscape. The award recognizes leadership that advances the objectives defined under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
Attendees planning to attend the convention can manage their participation through the online registration portal. The event provides a venue for local stakeholders to engage directly with agricultural policy leaders and industry veterans.
The takeaway
The selection of these honorees reflects the diverse expertise required to lead New York's agricultural sector. Readers interested in regional food systems can track upcoming agricultural conventions to engage with industry experts.
Further reading
Learn more about local farming advocacy on the Organic Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
