CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board is calling on local landowners for their input as they prepare a plan that will shape the county’s agricultural policy for the next 10 years.

The committee, which has been tasked with updating the county’s Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, began gathering information in October toward this goal. The first step, according to Chenango County Planner Shane Butler, was to distribute a survey to 300 property owners, the majority of which were sent to those currently engaged in agricultural production. Now, however, they are opening up the process to any and all property owners who wish to participate.

“The more information we can get, the better,” explained Butler, who serves as liaison between the Planning Department and the 10-member board. Dairy Farmer Terry Ives currently chairs the committee, which is comprised of farmers, agribusiness people, county officials and representatives from a variety of agencies and organizations which advocate for agriculture.

According to Butler, the 34-question survey was designed to help the board get a feel for how landowners perceive the future of farming in this area, as well as determine what tools and resources farmers feel they need to remain viable.