Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan

Genesee County: Agricultural Development Plan
Responsibility: Primary responsibility should reside with IDA with support from the
CCE, Genesee Farm Bureau, and Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation 6: Study Labor Training Needs
As farm operations in the region continue to transition, employment training will rise in
importance. As this trend continues, an assessment of training needs should be
conducted on a biannual basis. In addition, the County may wish to consider labor
training grants to support the many operations that use private trainers to currently fulfill
this need.
Priority Level 2: Begin program in year 2 or 3.
Cost Considerations: This recommendation would require low levels of in-house
staffing and a biannual budget of approximately $1,000 for survey instruments.
Responsibility: Primary responsibility should reside with the Agricultural and
Farmland Protection Board with support from the, CCE, Genesee Community
College, IDA and Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation 7: Prepare SBDC and SCORE Counselors to Work with Farmers
Aggressive regional lending combined with the instability of commodity markets and
rapid expansion of unsecured lending (credit card/revolving credit) may cause near-term
farm liquidity problems. As a result, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and
Service Corps or Retired Executives (SCORE) counselors should be briefed on issues of
farm debt workouts and other farm support issues.
Priority Level 2: Begin in program year 2 or 3.
Cost Considerations: This recommendation would require low levels of in-house staffing
and a budget of approximately $1,000 for materials.
Responsibility: Primary responsibility should reside with CCE with support from the
IDA, New York Farm Net, New York Farm Link, local creditors, and MyVesta.
Recommendation 8: Support Leadership Development
The success of Genesee’s agricultural industry is a direct function of its exemplary
agricultural leadership. Maintaining the quality of leadership and refreshing it with new
leaders is critical to continued success. It is recommended that the County support,
through scholarships, leadership training while providing continued opportunities for
young leaders to serve the industry.
Priority Level 2: Begin program in year 2 or 3.
Cost Considerations: This recommendation will require approximately $4,000 in annual
appropriations.
Responsibility: Primary responsibility should reside with the Agricultural and Farmland
Protection Board.
Recommendation 9: Support Improvements to Rural Utilities
Changes in technology and operational scale are heightening grower awareness of
deficiencies in rural utilities. Specific limiting factors are the quality and cost of electric
Copyright©, 2001: Agricultural & Community Development Services, Inc, Columbia, MD 15