Long Island Farm Bureau celebrates 97th awards gala

Long Island Farm Bureau will celebrate their 97th Annual Awards Gala on Friday, April 17 at the Riverhead Polish Hall in Riverhead honoring Vincent Sasso, DeLea Sod Farms and Doug Geed, News 12 Long Island.

Vincent Sasso will be honored as the Amherst Davis Memorial Farmer Citizen of the Year and Doug Geed honored as LI Farm Bureau Citizen of the Year. Both honorees were chosen based on criteria of leadership, service, commitment, achievement and character. They have not only been selected by their peers as a positive force for the industry, but have continually shown their dedication and service, above and beyond the call of duty, to Long Island agriculture.

This year, Vincent Sasso, owner and member of a second generation of sod farm, has been chosen as Long Island Farm Bureau’s Amherst Davis Memorial Farmer Citizen of the Year. As the owner and operator of Delea Sod farm, Mr. Sasso has been an active member of the LIFB both serving on the board of directors and supporting the organization from behind the scenes.

“He is both generous and modest about his support of the Farm Bureau, Long Island, and his community,” says Karen Rivara. LIFB President, “and it’s time we celebrated his many years of support.”

Vinny’s secret passion for growing vegetables and his community led to 40 acres of fresh produce complete with a roadside stand in East Northport. “I really felt like it was a great way to give back to the community and keep my passion alive,” says Sasso, “Running a farm operation requires long hours and lots of hard work. But, for me, farming is as much about family and community, as it is seeds, soil, or sweat.” Vinny, also co-owner of Cherry Creek and the Woods golf courses has generously hosted events and fundraisers at his beautiful Stonewalls restaurant.

In addition to the Amherst Davis Memorial Farmer Citizen Award, Long Island Farm Bureau presents News 12 Anchor and long time promoter of Long Island agricultural community Doug Geed with the Long Island Farm Bureau Citizen of the Year Award. Doug was born and raised on Long Island. His love for Long Island, specifically the “East End”, is prevalent in his weekly segment sharing stories. Among the farming community, Doug is known for his love of the East End, which shines through in the segments he creates. He takes the time to share individual stories from farmers across the East End and gives the farmers opportunities to talk about issues they face and how it can affect Long Island as a whole.

Karen Rivara comments, “His East End show gets rave reviews from consumers and farmers alike and we are grateful for all he does to showcase our agricultural community.”

Doug Geed believes that farming is the most noble profession on earth, people growing food for other people to eat. And he also believes that our local farmers are the real heroes of Long Island. “They not only provide food for all of us, but they’re preserving a way of life that goes back to the earliest days of Long Island,” Geed shares, “With quiet humility and never bringing attention to themselves, they work hard every day of the year and often struggle financially.”

Join LIFB on Friday, April 17, 2015 beginning at 6 p.m., at the Polish Hall in Riverhead to honor these two individuals. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased by calling 631-727-3777 or visit the LIFB’s website  to purchase tickets online.

Source: Long Island Farm Bureau press release dated April 1, 2015.