The Fulton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an update to an agricultural and farmland protection plan in November after three years of work. The plan was developed through a collaborative effort with key stakeholders, including farmers, farmland owners, agriculture-related businesses and community organizations. Funding for the plan was provided through a grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Fulton County.
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The plan outlines goals, priorities and recommendations to enhance and protect agriculture throughout the county.
Highlights of the plan include:
- Increase the profitability of farm operations and the long-term viability of agriculture.
- Advocate for policies and collaboration at the local, county, state and federal levels that support and protect the interests of farmers.
- Enhance agritourism opportunities.
- Strengthen community engagement and education in support of local agriculture.
- Ensure that farmers in Fulton County have support for and access to the latest research, technology and financial resources.
- Promote environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
- Minimize adverse impacts of solar development on agriculture and lands that support agriculture.
- Improve infrastructure to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of local farms.
- Provide mentorship, training and financial support for young farmers.
- Increase funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Fulton and Montgomery Counties.
- Encourage succession planning by older farmers and include the Amish in the discussion.
- Create an online directory of local farms and products.
The county has begun to implement an online directory of local farms and products. Known as Food and Farm Fulton County, it will be expanded and launched later this year.
“Fulton County’s agricultural economic impact totaled $9.4 million in 2022, including traditional agricultural ventures as well as the explosion of maple syrup production, farm-based craft beverages and other niche markets like Christmas trees, berries and hops. However, issues such as rising production costs, inadequate local processing facilities and limited broadband access continue to hinder farm operations. Over the next few years, the department will work closely with the board of supervisors and county agencies, as well as farmers and non-farmers and our municipalities, when it comes to implementation,” said Fulton County Director of Planning, Scott E. Henze.
For more information on agriculture within the county, or to read the full plan, go to fultoncountyny.gov/agriculture-protection. A user-friendly version has also been created at storymaps.arcgis.com.
