The AED Program developed this logo to identify products grown or made in the Mohawk Valley and is now developing the criteria and regulations for logo use to ensure that only the highest-quality local products are so labeled.

AED & the Southern Oneida Co. Economic Development Committee (SOCED) are working to develop a regional agricultural food-processing park where processors can work together, benefit from joint initiatives, and create new jobs.

The AED Program is working to create a regionally shared food-processing incubator kitchen for the development of new and innovative value-added products.

Oneida County, in a cooperative effort with Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, is in the planning stage of locating regional value-added meat processing facilities in the region.

The AED Program is assisting the Southern Oneida County Economic Development Committee (SOCED) in conducting a Cornell University feasibility study of shipping milk by rail.

With agriculture the #1 industry in Oneida County and tourism #2, the AED Program promotes the tourism aspect of agriculture by working with farmers' markets and roadside stands, developing rural bed and breakfast operations, and developing rural entertainment initiatives.

Because the survival of agriculture in the region requires the availability of agricultural programs for our youth, the AED Program actively works with Future Farmers of America, 4-H, and gives program assistance to clubs dealing with agriculture and agricultural career awareness.

Together, the AED Program and the Mohawk Valley Maple Producers developed the Mohawk Valley Maple Trail, developed a brochure promoting the Trail, and distributed the brochures to local stores, tourism agencies, and other area outlets.

The AED Program also works with a variety of associations and cooperatives involved in lamb, goats, pastured poultry and natural meat products as well as organic operations to develop new opportunities for agricultural producers.