In New York, Orange County officials want to know what the public thinks about a new agriculture plan.
The Orange County Planning Department and the Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board are seeking public input on a new county Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. Information is being gathered through an online survey for residents, business owners, municipal officials, and any others who have an interest in agriculture. The deadline for filling out the surveys is January 1. Survey information will be supplemented by focus group meetings, interviews and public meetings, scheduled for the winter and spring of 2014. Farmers will be contacted separately for another survey on farm operations and businesses. The purpose of the new plan is to identify strategies that will enhance the profitability of agriculture. The project will also focus on farmland preservation and regulatory obstacles.
The survey can be accessed through www.orangecountygov.com/agricultureplan
