UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County on Thursday issued a five-year strategic plan for strengthening the region’s agricultural economy, protecting farmland, and expanding opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across the county.
“This plan is a bold step toward ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Oneida County’s economy and identity,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. contended in describing the 2025-2030 agricultural strategic plan. “We are not just preserving farmland — we are building a system that supports our farmers, grows our food economy, connects our communities and makes Oneida County a model for agricultural innovation and resilience.”
Oneida County developed the plan in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County and planning consultants at LaBella Associates. The document identifies five strategic goals to guide implementation efforts. They include farmland preservation and protection; economic development and business support; agritourism and local food promotion; workforce development and farm transition; and sustainability and climate resilience.
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The plan lays out 25 project concepts, with four top-priority initiatives earmarked for immediate development, Oneida County said.
The initiatives include facilitating farmer participation in economic-development tools such as revolving loans, grants, and tax incentives. Another immediate focus is establishing a formal farming apprenticeship or internship program to train the next generation of agricultural workers.
In addition, the priorities include conducting an agriculture-specific hazard mitigation analysis to safeguard farms from climate and environmental risks. The initiatives also include encouraging local municipalities to adopt farm-friendly planning policies, using the county’s Agriculture-Friendly Municipal Guide.
To oversee implementation, the plan establishes a new agricultural-implementation committee, jointly coordinated by Oneida County and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The committee will be supported by working groups focused on each of the five strategic themes, meeting regularly to track progress and adjust strategies as needed, Oneida County said.
