Long Island Farm Bureau Member Chosen For Leadership Program

The next generation of farmers continues to flourish in Riverhead and on the North Fork.

The Long Island Farm Bureau announced recently that Kristina Sidor has been accepted into Cornell University's LEAD New York program.

LEAD New York, a program of seminars, workshops and field travel, is for committed individuals who wish to step up and make a difference in the food, agricultural, and natural resource industries. 

Program alumni include growers, lenders, shippers, retailers, educators, marketers, and consultants. 

"The opportunities to travel will be a tremendous learning experience for me," Sidor said. "The trip to Washington, D.C. will be especially important to learn about the connection of farming to politics and how I can get involved to advocate for myself and my fellow farmers." 

Sidor currently sits on the board of directors with the Long Island Farm Bureau, chairs the promotion and education committee, and volunteers with the young farmers and ranchers group. 

LI Farm Bureau President Joseph Gergela said he was proud to recommend her for LEAD NY.  "Kristina is a vital member of the LIFB board of directors. She possesses inherent traits which suit her very well for success. I am excited for her to begin her training so that she can continue to promote, advocate, and educate concerning our agricultural industry," he said.

Sidor, Gergela said, represents the next generation of agricultural professionals in her multifamily owned farming business on the East End of Long Island. 

As Sidor grew up and became aware of the realities and hardships farmers go through, she began to notice that some of the farms where she spent her summers were in danger of being developed and would soon disappear, Gergela said.

"My purpose for getting involved is to make people understand the importance of our farms with hopes that one day my kids can live the same care-free summers in open fields that I was once lucky enough to experience," Sidor said.

The Sidor family own the Mattituck-based farming operation and North Fork Potato Chips.