CHENANGO COUNTY – With recent findings that the New York agriculture industry contributed a whopping $37.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2012, the emphasis on agriculture in Chenango County is being touted by county legislators and the Farm Bureau.
The County Board of Supervisors on Monday adopted a resolution proclaiming March 18 as “National Agriculture Day” in Chenango County. Annual recognition of Ag Day spotlights the local ag industry and its contribution on the world stage.
The resolution comes just one week after the New York State Office of the Comptroller released a report citing a 22 percent bump in agriculture from 2007 to 2012, putting the Empire State in the top 10 states for milk and other dairy production, as well as wine, apples, maple syrup and other products.
Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers said the promotion of agriculture is far more than a pat on the back for farmers.
“It’s important to recognize this industry. The agriculture industry is a matter of national security,” said Vickers. “The world is looking. With the increase in population expected to double in the near future, they expect America to feed them.”
According to the recent state report, milk is the leader in ag commodities, bringing in $2.4 billion in sales and making NY the third largest milk producer in the country. Grains, peas and beans raked in another $856 million. The state also ranks number one in production of yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream.
When it comes to other ag products, New York ranks second in apples, squash and maple production; and third in corn silage, grapes and cauliflower.
In spite of the recent economic resilience shown by the county’s top industry, Vickers said there are still dark clouds on the horizon. Farms nationwide – 98 percent of which are family-owned – are going under as operational costs continue to outweigh the prices of ag commodities, namely milk which has seen an 85 cents per gallon plummet in the last four months. Simply put, many farms are being forced to close shop and piece out their land.
“Once a farm is sold, unlike any other industry, it's over. Period – end of sentence of agriculture production on that farm. You can't create a warehouse and start producing food,” said Vickers.
Moreover, an increasing number of aging farmers are getting out of the business without an abundance of younger farmers to take their place, thus putting a greater strain on the future of the industry.
According to the State Comptroller’s report, the number of New York farms and farmers has seen a modest decline. With an average farmer’s age of 55 (reflecting the national average), the issue nears the top of a laundry list of concerns.
“Without young people coming into this industry, the rest of our issues aren't going to matter without a food supply,” added Vickers.
As of 2012, approximately 56,000 New Yorkers operated farms, with an additional 61,000 people hired as farm laborers. Both the total value of agricultural commodity sales and farm acreage increased from 2007 to 2012. Nationally, agriculture makes up nearly 25 percent of the United States gross national product.
Ag Day will be celebrated in Chenango County on March 18 at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich. For more information, contact the Chenango County Farm Bureau at 334-6061.