Agriculture & Horticulture
Broome County’s diverse agricultural and horticulture industry encompasses
over one-third
of the county land mass with businesses in every town and
municipality. Direct sales of local products generate $30 million annually
which translates into $100 million community dollars as well as direct employment
of 900 people
and indirect support of community businesses.
Agriculture in the county continues to change with a decrease in traditional
dairy farms which is offset by the growth of farms marketing a diverse range
of products such as vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, fiber products,
timber products, maple syrup, and other specialty farm items. The popularity of AgriTourism
continues to increase and many farm businesses are offering this opportunity
to the general public.
New farmers and farms wishing to diversify their operations are provided
information through our Agricultural Economic Development program. Cooperative
Extension also offers education through schools, seminars, fact sheets,
newsletters, and consultations in an effort to improve farm competitiveness
and profitability.
Our agriculture education programs also address environmental issues
that affect the agricultural community such as land use, pesticide use and
farmland protection with
local governments.
Gardeners in Broome County need guidance in selection, care, and use
of plant materials, gardening techniques, safe pest management, integrated
pest management, composting
and lawn care. Through the Horticulture Response
line, gardeners can get individual help
with gardening problems. Classes,
clinics, speakers’ bureaus, and fact sheets are available on a variety of
horticulture subjects. Cutler Botanic Gardens, which is maintained by Master
Gardener volunteers, offers on-site opportunities for learning about new
plant materials and gardening techniques.
