Business

Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. With typical ingenuity, growers are tampering with conventional business models, using the latest research to battle pests and mitigate against the impact of climate change.

They’re also keeping an eagle eye on the fracking debate, converting dairy farms to grow hops to meet the needs of the brewing boom, and looking to renewable energy to save on their power bills.

In a series of reports running 20-25 May, the Innovation Trail team looks at some of the current challenges and opportunities for the state’s producers.

A preview of some of the stories we're including, after the jump.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was at Old Fort Niagara near Niagara Falls on Monday to announce that the federal government is working to draw more visitors the Buffalo/Niagara region. 

Gillibrand, a Democrat, says a new campaign by Brand USA is expected to promote the Greater Niagara Region as an international destination.

Governor Cuomo outlined the details of his plan to site three gambling casinos upstate.