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Griffo: ‘Eye-Opening’ Farm Tour
Showed Strength, Potential of County Farms

After a day touring Oneida County farms and agribusinesses, Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today saluted Oneida County’s farmers and offered his support for efforts to increase the economic impact of this vital part of Oneida County’s economy.

“In a point-click world, it was a refreshing experience to step out into a world where self-reliance, innovation and plain old hard work are the common elements of everyday life,” Griffo said. “The commitment of our farmers, and the work ethic that keeps these family-operated businesses going, are tremendous parts of our Oneida County heritage. We just grab a quart of milk from the refrigerator, but we never really think of all the work that goes into caring for the cows who give that milk, and all the work done getting that milk to market. It was a very eye-opening experience for me to see these 24/7 operations at work, and develop a greater understanding of the economic issues facing our farmers.”

Griffo said the scale of farming done in Oneida County impressed him.

“We have about 1,600 people employed on farms here in Oneida County,” Griffo said, noting that hundreds more are employed in support services such as farm equipment sales and service. “If we looked at that as one employer, instead of spread out across small family farms, that’s a large and vital economic sector that needs our support to stay in business. Agriculture is already big business here in the Mohawk Valley. My goal coming out of this tour is to build upon the hard work of the men and women who operate our Oneida County farms and create new partnerships that will give them added support as we look at new ways to market and ship local products.”

Griffo’s tour was sponsored by the Oneida County Farm Bureau. Oneida County Farm Bureau President Glenn Taylor and other officials joined Griffo as they toured Springrove Farms, Humphreys Farm, Twin Orchards and Clinton Farm Equipment.

Griffo noted that the 2002 Agricultural Census listed 1,087 farms in Oneida County. Of those, 315 are dairy farms with a total of 23,600 dairy cows. Farm acreage in Oneida County totals 242,637 acres, with about 100,000 acres planted with corn, wheat, grain, soybeans or oats.

“The total economic impact of farming in Oneida County tops the $200 million mark,” Griffo said. “When we consider that this tremendous economic engine also has deep roots in the heritage of our communities, we can fully appreciate the special place agriculture, and agribusinesses, hold in our County.”

Griffo also urged local consumers to buy locally grown produce.

“Eating right and eating healthy foods are some of the most important things we can do,” Griffo said. “Here in Oneida County, our local farmers raise some of the most healthy crops that we can eat - and also some of the best tasting foods. Whether we want fall apples or summer strawberries, when we buy from our local growers, we not only ensure that we are eating good food, but that we are also supporting our local economy and the people in our community who are making their living from family-operated farms.”

Griffo summed up his tour this way: “Agriculture is not only a major part of Oneida County’s history. It is a vital part of our future with exciting opportunities. The men, women and families who keep Oneida County’s farms going in these difficult economic times are hard-working everyday heroes who deserve our praise, and every bit of support we can give them.”