About Us

Mission
The Chenango County Agriculture Development Council explores, nurtures, and assists the development of new and traditional practices in Agriculture for economic growth in Chenango County and the surrounding region. The council will lead, coordinate, evaluate and pursue agriculture activities that are diversified, profitable, and environmentally responsible.

History
The Agriculture Development Council was originally established by a Chenango County Board of Supervisors resolution in early 1996. The ADC was charged with providing direction to enhance the development of agriculture in Chenango County All members of the ADC are volunteers who are committed to ensuring the growth of agriculture in Chenango County.

In 2001, the members of the ADC voted to align the ADC with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County. This alignment provided the ADC with a base of operations, and the opportunity to manage a small budge to provide for expenses of the ADC in undertaking its role as a facilitator for agriculture development.

In 2010, the members of the ADC revised the groups' bylaws and drafted new policies towards sponsorships and memberships to outside organizations. The group is looking to recruit new members, particularly producers, farmers, and or family members. The CCADC continues to seek educational opportunities and new projects that will aid in the vitality of the agriculture sector of Chenango's economy.

Services

• Advisory Assistance
  The Chenango County ADC can help answer some of your ag business inquiries. Our diverse group of members is here to help you. Contact us
• Ag Summit I, II, III, IV
  Local conference held to discuss the state and future of agriculture
• Ag Awareness Day at the Chenango County Fair exhibits and event coordination of Chenango County agriculture
• Lunch-time Seminars stories from the field and around the world on the state of agriculture
• ADC Microgrant
  - ADC Microgrants provide agricultural producers with small grant that can be used to advance their ag business.
  - Each grant award is up to $200 per producer/farm. Microgrants can be used for product development, signage, brochures, advertising expenses, or equipment used for marketing or selling products (printer, cooler, etc.)
  - Microgrant recipients will be expected to return a report on how the Microgrant amount was spent and the impact on their ag business. Monies will be reimbursed within 30 days of receipt of report.
• ADC Professional Improvement Scholarship
  This scholarship is available to producers seeking additional training. The scholarship will cover up to half the cost of a program or workshop fee. Producers will be expected to return a report on how the program will benefit their agriculture operation.
• New Product Label Program
  CCADC endeavors to provide "Produced in Chenango County" labeling to local producers that are distributing products outside of Chenango County. Project expected to be implemented in fall of 2010.