I was disappointed to read of Bion's recent criticism of the St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau, ("Bison blasts farmer's misinformation) on May 2.

My understanding from news reports is that the Farm Bureau is simply asking sensible and appropriate questions about Bion's plan to create an 84,0000-head concentrated animal feeding operation in St. Lawrence County. What's wrong with asking why public funds should go to Bion rather than being invested in the agriculture that is already here?

For many years, the Farm Bureau has been a highly regarded and widely recognized voice for farmers in our region. Assuming Bion's vice-president was quoted accurately, his criticism of the Farm Bureau and, in particular, his pointed accusations against the bureau's spokesperson show a troubling disrespect for the Farm Bureau and its members.

If this is indicative of the way Bion regards our local farming community, it does not reflect well on Bion's ability to be a good neighbor in the north country.

Philip Harnden

Richville

The writer is the director ofGardenShare.