Empire State Council of Agricultural Organizations, Inc. PO Box 304, Latham, New York 12110
Phone 518.783.1322 Fax 518.783.1258
About CAO
The Council was formed to enable its members to develop a united effort on fundamental economic, social, legislative/regulatory and other state and national issues affecting agriculture in New York State. CAO is built on collective strength and policy statements that are unanimously adopted by its entire membership, representing numerous facets of New York’s agricultural industry.
CAO 2025 Board of Directors
Chair: Jim Bittner
Vice Chairman: Renee St. Jacques
Secretary: Brian Reeves
Treasurer: Michael Maffei
Past Chair: Sam Filler
Director: Mary Jeanne Packer
Director: Jodi Smith Krzysiak
Executive Secretary: Sue VanAmburgh
2025 Meetings
Annual Meeting 2025
Annual Meeting 2025
Annual Meeting 2025
JANUARY 2025 - Members of the Empire State Council of Agricultural Organizations (CAO) joined together with industry representatives in Syracuse, NY for the 2025 CAO Annual Meeting. Thank you to everyone who attended. After addresses from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, Cornell University Dean Benjamin Houlton, Ph.D. guest speaker Alejandro Calixto, Ph.D. from NYS Integrated Pest Management, members reviewed and voted on policy changes for the 2025 Policy Book.
Lobby Day 2024
Annual Meeting 2025
Annual Meeting 2025
FEBRUARY 10, 2025 - CAO Members were back in-person to meet with legislators this year. Our day in Albany was a success. To read more about it, Click Here
Thank you to all who could attend!