Innovators in Rural Community Economic Development

Essex County Strategic Farmland Protection Plan

Tags: Agriculture, Focus Groups, Natural Resource Based Economic Development, Strategic Planning

Client Name: Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Essex

Client Type: Education/Research Institution

Year: 1995, 1996

Location: New York

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Essex County Farmland Protection Board to develop a plan for farmland protection based on a strategic analysis of opportunities to strengthen agriculture in Essex County. Work included a survey of farmers and farmland owners, economic and demographic research, visioning sessions and focus groups, and preparation of a strategic plan, including spatial analysis and geographic displays. Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. led a team including the Farming Alternatives Program of Cornell University and R.J. Turner Company of Vermont.

I like the final product.  You ran good meetings.  They were well prepared and the right people were there.  The work was done on time. - Bernard Leerkes, Farmer and Member of the Essex County Farmland Protection Board