The latest in the Express Sessions panel discussion series,“ The South Fork’s Bounty, on Land and at Sea,” was held on May 8 at Inlet Seafood in Montauk.

Suffolk County has the fourth-largest agricultural sales in New York State, and it is first in aquaculture. In both cases, the farms and waters of the South Fork play an important role in providing food for the region, state and nation. In March, county officials said they are preparing to seek bids on a new government-supported seafood processing facility — and Inlet Seafood in Montauk is one potential location.

The discussion brought together key players in the movement toward more sustainable agriculture and aquaculture based on the South Fork. The conversation focused on the challenges they face, the facilities needed to keep the produce and seafood headed to markets, and the outlook for the region’s continued success as a supplier for dinner tables, not to mention new markets for products such as kelp.

The panel included K.C. Boyle, co-owner, Dock to Dish; Layton Guenther, director, Quail Hill Farm; Amanda Merrow, co-owner, Amber Waves Farm; Wes Peterson, owner, Montauk Seafood Company, member, Dock to Dish; and Jason Weiner, co-owner, Almond Restaurant. It was moderated by Express News Group Executive Editor Joseph P. Shaw.

Reporter Michael Wright, Co-Publisher Gavin Menu and Shaw share highlights from the Express Sessions conversation and add their analysis.