ONONDAGA CO., N.Y. — Onondaga County is gifted with highly productive agricultural soils, a legacy of farming operations and know-how, and an environment that supports a highly diverse array of crops and opportunities to engage with the local food system. In recognition of these assets, County planners, led by the Onondaga County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board, have been working on updates for the Onondaga County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan.

Local agriculture remains a critical part of our economy, food system, and landscape. The Farmland Protection Plan, an update to the 1997 plan, reports on the state of our agriculture and is a framework for both protecting this farmland and supporting agricultural viability.

The project team will be compiling data on the current agricultural conditions in the county that will help them develop and communicate a shared vision and venture proposals for agricultural economic development and farmland protection. The plan is also focusing on increasing public interest and awareness of local agriculture. The plan will include input from farmers, business and the public who are welcome to provide ideas, feedback and be involved in upcoming meetings.

Do you want to stay up to date with the plan and share your thoughts for a new plan? Check out our new website at agriculture.ongov.net and learn about the plan, sign up for emails and alerts on events, and submit your feedback.

–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County

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