Oneida County Unveils Comprehensive Agricultural Strategic Plan to Guide Farming Future Through 2030

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced the release of the 2025-2030 Agricultural Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap 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,” Picente said. “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.”

The plan, developed in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County and planning consultants at LaBella Associates, identifies five strategic goals to guide implementation efforts:

• Farmland Preservation and Protection
• Economic Development and Business Support
• Agritourism and Local Food Promotion
• Workforce Development and Farm Transition
• Sustainability and Climate Resilience

The plan lays out 25 project concepts, with four top-priority initiatives earmarked for immediate development:

• Facilitating farmer participation in economic development tools such as revolving loans, grants and tax incentives.
• Establishing a formal Farming Apprenticeship or Internship Program to train the next generation of agricultural workers.
• Conducting an agriculture-specific hazard mitigation analysis to safeguard farms from climate and environmental risks.
• Encouraging local municipalities to adopt farm-friendly planning policies, using the county’s Agriculture-Friendly Municipal Guide.

“These priority projects are designed to generate meaningful impact, particularly in areas like supply chain growth, land use planning, and workforce development,” said Oneida County Commissioner of Planning James Genovese. “By aligning our agricultural strategy with broader economic, educational and climate goals, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous farming community.”

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.

The strategic framework is grounded in research, economic data and stakeholder input, and reflects the success and lessons learned from past county agricultural efforts, including the 2017 Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, the Farmers to Consumers Initiative and the Dairy Sustainability Action Plan.

“This is more than a plan—it’s a commitment to our farming families, our rural economy, and the next generation of growers,” Picente added.

The full plan is available here.