Niagara County to host agribusiness outreach forum

The Niagara County Center for Economic Development announced it will again host its annual agribusiness outreach forum, although this year’s event will be done virtually. The event will be held over two days, March 23 and 25, from 9-11 a.m. each day.

Last year’s forum was canceled due to COVID-19.

“According to the most recent census data, there are 690 farms in Niagara County covering 140,259 acres, and we rank 18th in New York state with $118.6 million in market value of agricultural products sold,” said Legislator Irene Myers, who grew up working on farms in Ransomville. “Yet, not many people appreciate the significant role that agriculture plays in Niagara County’s economy, which is why the outreach forum was designed to help support our farmers and related businesses.”

Niagara County Commissioner for Economic Development Michael Casale said, “We are excited to bring this program back in 2021, knowing how popular it was with all those involved in agribusiness. We will cover a lot of ground over two days with some very tremendous speakers. There is no cost to participate, but people must preregister.”

Casale said that, over the course of the two-day event, topics covered will include crop diversification, agritourism, succession planning and farm labor issues. In addition, participants will also learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act; Cornell Cooperative Extension’s regional agricultural teams; CCE of Niagara’s beginning farmer training program; low-cost power programs; and services offered by the NCCC Small Business Development Center, the Niagara County Farm Bureau and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets among others.

Participants can register for the event at https://www.niagaracountybusiness.com/featured-events.