Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County

The local foods map is intended to serve as a guide for those who want to enjoy fresh local foods

A FREE program helping families with children eat better for less

The pandemic has sparked renewed interest in growing your own food or buying local produce and has meant increased interest in food preservation.

 Mission Statement:

“The Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.”

Vision Statement:

“Building Strong and Vibrant New York Communities”

The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to expand educational outreach throughout the community by providing home gardeners with research-based information. Master Gardeners assist with gardening projects in the community, teach classes and workshops, provide information at events, and answer gardening questions.

The agricultural program of CCE Herkimer County is comprised of two main tracts. The first of these deals specifically with local issues which include consumer agriculture and horticulture, small livestock, natural resources and agricultural economic development.

Dairy farming remains the mainstay of agricultural production in Herkimer County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, almost $58 million in sales are generated annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census data was released in April. The census is taken every five years.

When you buy direct from local farmers, your dollars stay within your community and strengthens the local economy. This helps preserve farming as a livelihood and rural landscapes as farmland. A great way to do this is to shop from your local farmers’ market.

Will it work on my land?

The team provides high quality educational programs that address the needs of commercial agricultural producers in Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Otsego counties.