Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development (ESD), and Ulster County Tourism Director Peter A. Carofano, today announced that Hurd’s Family Farm of Modena in Ulster County has been selected winner of the New York State Agri-Tourism Award. The award is presented by the New York State Division of Tourism to recognize a private or not-for-profit organization in New York that has implemented a program or project promoting agricultural destinations to tourists. The state’s tourism industry nominates candidates for the award.

"Hurd’s Family Farm was chosen for this award for championing agri-tourism, not just in their own town, but in their county and throughout the state," Director Carofano said. "They have also played an important educational role, giving school groups a first-hand opportunity to visit a working farm and orchard."

The Agri-Tourism Award was presented on Thursday, October 2, at the 2003 Governor’s Tourism Conference in Syracuse. The conference, sponsored annually by the New York State Division of Tourism, showcases the Empire State’s tourism industry, which generates over $37 billion annually and employs more than 757,000 people.

Hurd’s, a seventh generation farm, is located in the scenic Hudson Valley National Heritage Area. It is rapidly becoming a popular destination for travelers from throughout the region, as well as New York City. The family-friendly farm specializes in education group school tours and festival weekends. Their feature attraction is a 4-acre corn maze, which this year is cut in the shape of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ "Pride of New York" emblem. The emblem was designed to increase public awareness of New York farms and farm products.

"I am very proud to have one of Ulster County’s farms win this award", stated Carofano. "Susan and Phil Hurd have worked very hard over the years to build their program to the point of receiving this award."