At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Thursday, Aug. 20, county officials marked the 10th annual Agricultural Forum by spotlighting both the economic heft of local farming and a new initiative aimed at strengthening its future.
County Executive Sue Serino announced the creation of an online hub, Cultivating Dutchess, that would gather resources for farmers in one place, including information on agricultural districts, farmland protection, and county-backed grant programs. She also introduced Amanda Bergin as the county’s new Agricultural Navigator, tasked with helping farmers connect to support services.
“Farms fuel our economy, provide fresh food, preserve open space, and welcome visitors from near and far,” Serino said. “Most importantly, they reflect the hard work and resilience of our farmers. With Cultivating Dutchess, we’re making it easier for farmers to find the resources and support they need so they can continue to do what they do best. Farming has always been a part of our story here in Dutchess, and we’re committed to making sure it remains part of our future.”
The county said the new hub will centralize programs, promote agricultural careers, encourage farm-friendly policy decisions, and highlight farming’s estimated $45 million role in the local economy. Officials did not say when the hub would be available to farmers.
The forum, held in partnership with the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, also featured presentations from leaders at SUNY Cobleskill, who discussed broader trends shaping New York agriculture. The day concluded with the Fair Flourishing Farmer’s Showcase, where young participants in the ThinkDIFFERENTLY 4-H program exhibited their animals.