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Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development Cayuga County Office Building 160 Genesee Street, 5th Floor Auburn, NY 13021 The plan sets the framework for supporting current farm operations, expanding economic opportunities for new agricultural businesses, and for increasing the awareness and appreciation for agriculture in our communities, but we can’t do it alone. Get involved! Contact the County Planning Department today to see how you can help! (315) 253-1276 [EMAIL REDACTED] The full plan can be viewed at the County Planning Department or online at: www.cayugacounty.us/agplan Check it out today! Cayuga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan The 2014 Cayuga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan was developed with the help of over 100 Cayuga County farmers, agencies and members of the public who participated in public discussions, focus groups, and public hearings. Together, they identified the opportunities, needs and challenges of contributors to our agricultural economy and existing efforts to preserve farmland for future farmers. The plan includes an overview of sound farm-friendly land use policies for local governments, an analysis of development pressures and a detailed implementation plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Goals The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan steering committee identified three goals to accomplish between 2015 and 2025: Goal 1: Improve economic opportunities for agriculture-related businesses in Cayuga County; Goal 2: Achieve widespread awareness and appreciation in the county of the economic, health and cultural importance of local food and local agriculture; Goal 3: Ensure a vibrant future for farming in Cayuga County. Details on the goals, objectives and actions including funding strategies can be found in the implementation section of the plan. Objectives • Integrate existing and emerging local food production into the local food system. • Enhance existing support resources for agriculture-related business development and training. • Improve local consumer access to locally produced foods. • Work with state and federal policy-makers to address burdensome regulations. • Improve aggregation, processing and distribution infrastructure for local farmers. • Support agri-tourism businesses and growth in the agri-tourism sector. • Expand affordable high-speed internet access throughout the county. • Educate local, county and state officials about the economic, health and cultural importance of local food and local agriculture. • Educate the general public about the economic, health and cultural importance of local food and local agriculture. • Enhance educational and enrichment opportunities for young people related to local food and local agriculture. • Enact and maintain farm-friendly land use policies, as appropriate for each community’s needs and preferences. • Encourage farmers to access existing resources to address farm management and environmental stewardship needs. • Protect viable agricultural land from non- agricultural uses and development pressures. • Facilitate farm transfers. Key Actions (to be completed in first 3 years) 1. Launch a “buy local” campaign focused on the economic and health benefits of supporting local agriculture. 2. Provide agricultural economic development services and assistance to farmers and agriculture-related business owners for start-up and existing growth opportunities. 3. Organize fun, family-friendly annual informational and educational events for schools and the general public. 4. Provide trainings, information and technical assistance for municipal board members about agriculture-related land uses and impacts of local regulations on the viability of agriculture. 5. Provide technical assistance to address farmers’ nutrient, resource and farm management challenges, with a focus on improving the quality and implementation of farm plans.