Tuesday, July 22, 2008 

(315)  798-5800

Picente Announces Oneida County
Agri*Culture Map Debut

Oneida County Executive, Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today announced the kick-off of a distribution effort to disperse 100,000 copies of the 28” x 40” Oneida County, New York Agri*Culture Map detailing agri-tourism opportunities in the county.  

“Agriculture is a major part of Oneida County ’s economy and agri-tourism is an expanding area of agriculture that will greatly add to that market,” Picente said.  “These maps will not only help tourists to Oneida County locate all of the unique agri-tourism destinations our County offers but residents will also benefit from the maps and will be able to purchase their produce and other goods locally.  This increased knowledge of these agri-tourism locations will greatly enhance the amount of business they do and therefore become a great stimulus to our area’s economy.  I would like to thank all of the people and organizations involved who helped bring these maps to Oneida County .”  

The map, which is free to the public, was developed by the Oneida County Agri*Culture Project Steering Committee, working with the assistance of a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Agri-Tourism grant, with additional funding and in-kind contributions from project partners.  The Observer Dispatch has joined as a map distribution partner.  

Project partners include Oneida County Legislature, Oneida County Farm Bureau, Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oneida County Department of Planning, Oneida County Central Services, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, Oneida County Agricultural Economic Development Program, and Oneida County Historical Society.  

            Map listings include Farm-Fresh Products & Specialty Shopping; Festivals, Fairs, Events & Venues; Recreation & Nature; Hospitality, Food & Lodging; Nursery, Fishery, Forestry & Other Industries; and Tours & Education.

            Significant natural assets are included to help people recognize the relationship of agricultural lands, including woodlots, to scenic and recreational areas in the county. There is also information describing Agricultural Districts and highlighting Oneida County “House Specialties”, as well as a harvest calendar, and an agriculture and tourism resource list.

            Agriculture contributes over $270 million annually to the Oneida County economy, and the county is 6^th in New York State for number of farms and land in farms. Yet, the average age of farmers increases each year, and most farm families must rely on outside income to make a living.

As a result, many farmers try to diversify, and agri-tourism enterprises like farm stands, hayrides, and on-farm event facilities that are popular with the public help farm families increase profitability so they can afford to keep farming.  

According to Marty Broccoli, Extension Resource Educator and head of the Oneida County Agricultural Economic Development Program, “The map is a good basic inventory of agri-tourism related enterprises in the county.”  

            Broccoli continued, “‘Buying local’ is getting a lot of press these days because of food safety concerns and increased transportation costs for food. The map will be a good resource for county residents who want to enjoy the rural character of the county and take advantage of buying local.”  

            Agri-tourism is a booming trend. The map will help visitors to Oneida County find agri-tourism attractions, and is a handy reference for staff at tourism destinations, and in the hospitality industry, to help direct their guests to close-by agri-tourism venues.

            Paul Ziegler, a member of the project steering committee, and Executive Director of the Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted, “As we learn about enterprises that are not on the map, they will be included in the complete agri-tourism listings on the Bureau’s website.”  

            Throughout the project, much was learned about issues and opportunities that can influence the profitability of agri-tourism ventures. The project’s final report to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will include the need to follow up on these findings to resolve problems, plan strategically, educate interested farm producers, and promote agri-tourism more effectively.  

            In the meantime, the map can also help farmers interested in developing and promoting agri-tourism businesses connect with other producers already involved in similar enterprises.  

            The map will be available at many agri-tourism locations and public facilities across the county. For additional information about the Oneida County Agri*Culture Project, or to obtain a copy of the map, contact Remi Link, (315) 736-3394, Ext. 111, or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, 121 Second Street, Oriskany, NY.