Poughkeepsie … The Dutchess County Agricultural Forum was held today at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, highlighting Dutchess County’s successful agricultural industry, which generates more than $45 million in annual sales for the local economy. Members of the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, which includes local farmers, agri-business representatives, agricultural and land conservancy organizations – as well as State, County and local leaders and community members – gathered to discuss issues and policies surrounding Dutchess County agriculture. The annual event featured a presentation from the New York State Farm Bureau, as well as County Executive Sue Serino’s announcement that the Dutchess County Ag Navigator role is being expanded to a full-time County position in the 2025 County budget to better serve the needs of local farmers and prospective farmers.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is home to an incredibly vibrant farming community, and they have each played an immeasurable role in our community’s history. Farmers are resilient, and while new laws and regulations from various levels of government can make their jobs harder, they continue to think outside of the box to work through those challenges and find creative solutions, so they not only succeed but thrive. Dutchess County remains committed to being a supportive partner to our farming community and through innovative ideas and with the expansion of the Ag Navigator position we hope to provide the additional support and tools they may need to remain here in Dutchess County. Whether its contributing to our local economy, creating job opportunities, providing fresh food, or growing the agro-tourism industry, the role our farms and farmers play in our community is invaluable, and I thank all those who attended today’s forum and for their continued efforts to advocate for our farmers.”
Among the highlights at today’s event was the announcement of County Executive Serino’s plan to expand the role of the Dutchess County Agriculture Navigator into a full-time, County government position. The Ag Navigator role, first established in 2016, helps local farmers traverse the complexities of contemporary agriculture by serving as a liaison for farmers, municipal officials and economic development specialists. The Ag Navigator provides impartial information and advice when local regulations or actions are proposed that may impact agriculture, farmland or agricultural businesses. The navigator is also integral in implementing the County’s Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan’s recommendations.
The County had previously contracted with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) for the Agricultural Navigator initiative, with Jennifer Fimbel serving as the inaugural Ag Navigator in a part-time role as part of her existing position as Agriculture and Horticulture Program Leader. Ms. Fimbel retired earlier this year after serving more than 38 years at CCEDC.
Under the new plan announced today, the position of Agricultural Navigator will become a full-time Dutchess County Government position, residing wholly within the Department of Planning & Development. Ms. Fimbel has joined the County in a part-time position as the Agricultural Navigator and will be working on laying out the responsibilities of the expanded role as well as recruiting, training and mentoring her full-time successor to be hired in 2025.
Expanding the role to a full-time position within County Government will provide greater opportunities to assist those who are looking for policy guidance, dealing with enforcement (i.e. zoning) issues – both municipal and farmer – assessment questions, questions regarding right-to-farm laws, agricultural districts and more. A primary goal is to expand local education on these topics through a number of new efforts:
Dutchess County will continue its longstanding partnership with CCEDC to meet the needs of the local agricultural community, with the Ag Navigator connecting people with technical questions relating to animals, crops, grazing rotations and much more to CCEDC’s expert staff. This allows CCEDC’s team to focus on providing research-based information and education quickly and efficiently on a wide array of agricultural topics, including gardening/community horticulture through CCEDC’s Master Gardener and Commercial Horticulture programs.
CCEDC Executive Director Mary Lou Carolyn said, “Expanding the Agriculture Navigator role will be very beneficial to our local agricultural community, particularly expanding education on local regulations and assessment rules. CCEDC looks forward to continuing to provide the educational and technical resources that farmers rely on, while working with the County on policy issues regarding agriculture.”
Today’s Agriculture Forum also featured a presentation by New York State Farm Bureau Vice President Eric Ooms, who discussed many of the opportunities and challenges facing farmers in New York and the Hudson Valley, including utilizing social media and different markets for farms, such the lower Hudson Valley and New York City areas. Mr. Ooms noted that farmers are true entrepreneurs who are always evolving.
Following the forum, members of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY 4-H program for children of all abilities showed their animals at its annual Fair Flourishing Farmer’s Showcase.
