Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan

Genesee County: Agricultural Development Plan
Cost Considerations: This recommendation would require high levels of in-house staffing
and a program budget of approximately $10,000. Consideration should be given to grant
resources and program sponsorships.
Responsibility: CCE and the Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation 2: Conduct Advanced Training in Economic Development and
Land-Use Planning
Policy makers and public employees throughout the County and towns have varying
levels of understanding about economic development and land-use. Prior to seeking
significant, long-term program support for Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, it
is recommended that a concerted effort to educate local leaders be undertaken.
Specifically, the study team recommends conducting a one day to one and half day
training seminar using subject specialists to develop a regional understanding of the
concepts embodied in this report.
Priority Level 1: Immediate action in year 1.
Cost Considerations: This recommendation would require moderate levels of in-house
staffing to organize the conference and a program budget of approximately $6,000.
Consideration should be given to grant resources and program sponsorships.
Responsibility: Department of Planning, CCE, and IDA.
Recommendation 3: Develop and Promote Public Information Packets
Continued regional development is increasing the potential for land-use conflicts.
Education is considered to be the best way to minimize these conflicts. It is
recommended that the County develop web based information packets and public service
announcements to educate the general public about agricultural practices and the
importance of agriculture to the community. Conversely, farmers should be educated
about the needs of the non-farm public. Public Service Announcement’s should be aired
during critical times of the agricultural cycle in the County and the web based
information packets should be made available to the general public, specifically to realestate
agents and welcome wagons who may act as a first point of contact with new
residents. The first information packet developed should address key elements of the
Cost of Community Services Study and Economic Impact Study.
Priority Level 1: Immediate action in year 1.
Cost Considerations: This recommendation would require high levels of in-house staffing
during development and a program budget of approximately $5,000. Consideration
should be given to grant resources.
Responsibility: CCE, Department of Planning, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation 4: Create a Neighbor Relations Program
Conflicting land-uses are becoming a larger issue as new residents move in next to
farming operations, especially animal operations. The County should review the
neighbor relations program created in the Town of Leroy and adapt elements for a
county-wide program. In addition, the County should create a community relations
packet for farmers that describes best management strategies for dealing and
communicating with non-agricultural neighbors.
Copyright©, 2001: Agricultural & Community Development Services, Inc, Columbia, MD 25