Upstate Agri-Economic Development Summit

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the 7th Annual Free Upstate Agri-Economic Development Summit. It was wonderful to see so many Cortland area farmers as they discussed ways to promote local foods and local products.

Jerry Cosgrove, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, gave a great talk about how farmers can be a big part of the solution to climate change issues. They can be both local food providers (reducing the carbon footprint of food production and transport) and also use their property to provide localities with renewable energy (methane, biomass, solar, wind, etc.). He was very positive about the long-term future of farming in central New York, but did indicate that the next few years could be tough during the Country’s economic crisis. This to me indicates that we as Cortland residents need to be even more vigilant in buying local products to help keep our local food supply.

Mike McMahon, owner of E-Z Acres in Cortland County and board member of the Cortland County BDC/IDA made a presentation on the economic impact of agriculture in Cortland County. He shared some great statistics – such as the number of farms in the County – 567. He also shared information about how these farms and the support industries provide quite a bit of positive economic impact for the County, while using few tax supported services.

The most enthusiastic and interesting presentation for me, was when some members of the County Ag promotions committee (Kathie Arnold, Lisa Lickona, and Donn Hewes) each spoke about the ideas and progress of the second famer’s market that I wrote about in an earlier entry. Donn, co-owner of Northland Sheep Farm in Freetown, shared his dream of a Farmers' Store in the Cortland Foundations Building (the site of the new farmers' market) where Cortland County farmers could offer local foods, and local artisans could sell their products. The idea is for the consumers to get a great price for these locally grown and made products, and the famers and/or artists don’t have to spend a great deal of their time selling their products. The best news for the Cortland consumer is the “one-stop” local food shopping potential of the year-round farmer’s store. Lisa shared her dream of a Farmers' Market that is more of a destination/attraction where Cortland County residents gather to build community, chat with farmers and artisans about their products, connect with our neighbors, listen to great music and, and spend dollars locally. Keep in mind that each $1.00 spent on a local product will provide the community with $1.26 as it is re-spent in the area. All these ideas are exciting for Cortland County and again, I’d like to thank these individuals for all of their work to provide Cortland County residents with quality local products.