Ag Tour press conference May 13, 2009 Old McDonald's Farm, Sackets Harbor
The Thousand Islands International Tourism Council and Jefferson County Agriculture Development Corporation unveiled the 1000 Islands Ag Tour to 30 farmers, government officials and members of the media gathered at Old McDonald's Farm, Sackets Harbor. The Ag Tour utilizes mobile phone audio tours, glossy brochures and maps and www.agvisit.com to promote 18 produce stands, museums, wineries and animal farms scattered throughout Jefferson County. Press conference attendees were the first to "take" the audio tour. The project is designed to give visitors a chance to learn more about farms at their own pace before deciding which to visit. Visitors can dial 315-221-5104 and the corresponding stop number (each farm has a number that appears on the map, brochure and roadside sign) to hear a 2- to 3-minute overview of the location. Audio recordings can be modified to promote new offerings - such as fresh U-pick strawberries at the end of June and early July! - or announce shopping deals. The combination of tourism and agriculture drew great interest from area and state dignitaries. Mike Mortimer and Doris McLellan read statements on behalf of state Sen. Darrel Aubertine, Cape Vincent, and Assemblewoman Addie Jenne Russell, respectively. Speakers included Chip Pratt, New York State Agriculture and Markets, and Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agriculture Development Corp. Steve Hunt of Governor David A. Paterson's office was also in attendance along with Jefferson County Administrator Robert Hagemann, county Legislator Barry Ormsby and Housefield Town Supervisor Martin Delsignore. Ag Tour participants in attendance included Dani Baker of Cross Islands Farm (Wellesley Island), Gail Marsh of Home Again Farms (Theresa), Delta Keeney of Windswept Meadows Farm (Watertown) and Karen Stumpf of 1000 Islands Goat Farm (Cape Vincent). Press conference host Nancy Robbins, owner of Old McDonald's Farm, took time away from her school tour groups to speak as well.
Photo at right is not these people, but a pair of cute goats from Old McDonald's Farm.
Gary DeYoung, TIITC Tourism Director, unveils the Ag Tour project
Chip Pratt, NYS Ag & Markets, dials in an audio tour
