Few places in the world have the combination of fertile soils, abundant fresh water and favorable climate that make Ontario County such a rich and diverse agricultural area. Dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, swine, cash crops, vegetables, vineyards, orchards, small fruit, nursery and greenhouse farms all play a significant role in the food and agriculture industry in Ontario County. The annual market value of agricultural products sold is $87 million. As these dollars recirculate through the local economy, the total economic impact to the county is $281 million.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County works to support a prosperous agricultural industry through programs that range from laboratory research to the consumer dinner plate.

Jim Ochterski
Agriculture Economic Development Specialist/Issues Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources
(585) 394-3977 x 402

Nancy Anderson
Administrative Assistant
(585) 394-3977 x 427

Russ Welser
Resource Educator / Agriculture, Horticulture and Natural Resources
(585) 394-3977 x 436

Profile of Ontario County Agriculture
(.pdf file)

Ontario County Agriculture: Learn more about Ontario County agriculture, farm markets, agriculture careers, world-class agriculture research facilities, and all the places you can buy locally-produced farm products on an interactive map.

Ontario County/Finger Lakes Agriculture Education: http://FingerLakesAgriculture.com


Finger Lakes Sustainable Farming Center: Three Finger Lakes counties formed a collaboration to promote sustainable agriculture: http://www.fingerlakessustainablefarming.org


Marketing School for Growers, New Insights and Inspiration to Master Your Farm Marketing: Friday, November 7, 2008; Friday, December 5, 2008, Friday January 16, 2009. For more information . . .

Buy Local! Check out the Ontario County Local Food Guide and find the nearest farms with the help of the interactive Agriculture Maps, produced by the 4-H GeoSeekers club.