State Senator Patty Ritchie (R,C-Heuvelton) was named today as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and was assigned to several other committees with critical oversight over issues that are key to her Central and Northern New York district.

"Agriculture is our state’s Number One industry—and critically important to the economy, communities and families of Northern and Central New York," Ritchie said.

"It is a great honor for someone like me, who was born on a family farm and understands the important role that agriculture plays in our region, to have the opportunity to work with farmers to strengthen farming and our local economy during these trying times."

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R- of Black River, whose 122nd state Assembly District covers much of southern St. Lawrence County, offered his congratulations.

“With this appointment, the North Country’s agriculture industry will have multiple strong voices in Albany fighting for its unique concerns,” said Blankenbush. “I look forward to working with the North Country team, Senator Ritchie and newly appointed Ag and Markets Commissioner, Darrel Aubertine, on these important issues.”

Said Ritchie, "Farming helped build Upstate, and can help revive our Upstate economy today. New York's farmers are among the most innovative and resourceful in the nation. But they are burdened by excessive regulation and mandates that stifle their ability to respond to changes in the marketplace.

“My priority will be to work hand in hand with the farmers of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties--as well as state officials and colleagues in the Senate and Assembly, including Ranking Republican Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush--to find ways to get government out of the way, help their businesses grow, create jobs, rebuild our local economies and serve as models to the rest of the nation.”

Ritchie said that, in addition to mandate relief for farmers, she will work to protect critically important agriculture programs, and seek stronger ties between state agencies, universities, researchers and individual farmers to help make family farms profitable and successful.