Matthew Leonard, Editor

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.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has outlined more details for establishing a financial restructuring board as a resource for distressed local governments, particularly in upstate New York.

A state summit on the tourism industry will be held on May 8 in Albany, the governor’s office announced Wednesday. The event is described as a forum for industry leaders, business owners and other stakeholders.

The governor’s office says there will be breakout sessions related to sports and event-driven tourism, and sessions on niche markets like agriculture and heritage.

Entrepreneurs in western New York have a wider range of potential sources of capital than  ever before, according to the Upstate Venture Association of New York. A panel moderated by Innovation Trail focused on the new funds in the Rochester region.

Panelists representing four of the key funds in the area spoke about the particular interest areas of their funds ranging in scale from $1 million - $7 million.