Local organic farming effort receives $1 million from state

State Sen. George Winner and Assemblyman Jim Bacalles joined local officials, farmers, and business leaders at Lakeview Organic Grains to announce a major new economic development effort underway in Yates County last week and present $1 million to the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC).

Earlier this year state legislators, in the 2008-09 state budget, created the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) to assist local economic development projects aimed at creating new jobs, retaining existing employees, and strengthening regional economies across New York.  Winner said that $1 million in EDAP  funding, which will be administered through the FLEDC, is being provided for the "Yates County Organic and Viticulture Market Expansion Program."

The state funding will help establish a new center to assist organic and viticulture businesses in Yates County with their production, storage, processing, and marketing efforts.

"We need to stay focused on revitalizing the upstate New York economy and here in Yates County one of the economic foundations we can build upon is agriculture," said Winner.  "This state investment in the future of the Yates County agricultural industry is significant and smart, and it's going to produce valuable economic benefits and opportunities for years to come. It's an economic development initiative that will create quality jobs, retain existing employees, and strengthen the competitive position of wineries, organic farmers, and the overall economy of the entire region." "Agriculture, including organic farming and viticulture businesses, is a vital part of Yates County's economic structure," said Bacalles.

"Consequently, this program will benefit the area on every level.  It creates jobs, strengthens the agriculture industry and delivers an initiative which will bring tremendous dividends to the entire region."

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Yates County economy and one of the few places in New York State where the number of farms is increasing. Farming in Yates County, which includes over 40 percent of the Finger Lakes region's nearly 100 organic farms and businesses, employs approximately 1,400 workers and contributes more than $50 million annually to the economy.

"We are very appreciative of the effort and support of Sen.Winner and Assemblyman Bacalles in helping us receive this money. These funds are part of our ongoing development of marketing and financial programs designed to help spur the growth of the more than 5,000 acres of vineyards, nearly 30 national and international award-winning wineries, and 40 certified organic farms and businesses that call Yates County home," said Steve Griffin, chief executive officer of the FLEDC.

"Yates County is a leader in New York for both organic and viticultural production, so this grant will greatly enhance Yates County agriculture by allowing us to improve our agronomics, marketing and handling of these products. We are very grateful to Mr. Winner for his work on our behalf," said Mary-Howell Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain in Penn Yan.

Klaas Martens added, "This grant will also expand the markets for Yates County’s agricultural products, bringing more money into our local economy."