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Agriculture is an essential part of Northern New York’s economy and the quality of life in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Agriculture across Northern New York encompasses 4,500-plus farms produce more than $53 million in agricultural products sold. The diverse products originating from nearly 1.3 million acres of Northern New York farmland range from milk and cheese to small fruits, vegetables, and maple. By one estimate, our dairy animals alone represent an economic value of $1.8 billion to the region. The region is priming for biofuel crop production.

The resources and advocates for agriculture in Northern New York are as diverse as the farm-based industry itself. The Northern New York agricultural development involves farmers throughout the region, five agricultural research farms, Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program grants program.

The grants program supports research, education and technical assistance in such areas as agricultural economic development, agricultural environmental stewardship, biofuels, dairy production, field crops, grass-based agriculture, horticulture crops, integrated pest management, livestock production, maple production, marketing, organic production, and soils research.

Program funding and support come from the New York State Legislature through the long term support of the North Country’s State Senators, and funds and support from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the USDA, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the six NNY Cornell Cooperative Extension associations, and cooperating farmers.

Farmers say the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program: