By Blake Jackson
New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) has announced Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and longtime member Maureen Torrey as recipients of its annual Distinguished Service Award, the organization’s highest honor recognizing outstanding contributions to agriculture.
The awards will be presented during a dinner banquet at NYFB’s State Annual Convention (StaCon) on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Attendees can register for the convention or purchase tickets specifically for the awards dinner at eventleaf.com/e/stacon26.
Recognizing Donna Lupardo’s Agricultural Leadership
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo has represented New York’s 123rd Assembly District since 2005 and has chaired the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee since 2019.
Throughout her public service career, she has supported initiatives to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy and improve opportunities for farmers and food producers.
Her efforts have focused on supporting beginning farmers, expanding local food systems, encouraging agricultural innovation, and advancing New York’s craft beverage industry. She has also championed programs such as Farm to School, Nourish NY, and Farmland for a New Generation.
Lupardo, who will retire at the end of the 2026 legislative term, expressed appreciation for the recognition.
“I am honored to receive the New York Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award. During my eight-year tenure as Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, I had the privilege of working alongside the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of New York’s farm economy," Lupardo said.
"I have viewed my role as advocate, learning about the challenges and opportunities facing New York’s farmers and producers, and translating that into funding and policy. I am thankful that by working together, we were able to make a positive difference,” Lupardo added.
Honoring Maureen Torrey’s Contributions
Maureen Torrey represents the 12th generation of Torrey Farms, a diversified family operation in Western New York that grows and processes fresh-market vegetables and grains and maintains dairy operations. She also co-operates a trucking business with her husband, Paul Marshall.
Torrey has held numerous agricultural leadership positions, including chair of United Fresh, director of the Produce Marketing Association, and inaugural chair of the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
Torrey also served on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Buffalo branch board for seven years and has contributed to several agricultural and community organizations.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award this year when there are so many deserving of it. My New York Farm Bureau experience started over 60 years ago when I participated in the Youth Power program and was selected to represent New York Farm Bureau at the national meeting," Torrey said.
"Through the years, in different roles, I have been able to stay connected with the many opportunities NYFB offers for service to farming families and the public. That connection has fueled my passion,” Torrey added.
Photo Credit: new-york-farm-bureau
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