The AED program is offering every agricultural service business or non-agricultural business (who sees agricultural producers as their customers) a FREE listing in our fourth annual directory. All businesses will be listed for free, but if you contribute to the AED program you will gain additional benefits to help your business and be recognized as doing so in the guide. Please review the enclosed form to learn how to be included. We ask you pledge to support the program each year for the next three years in the selected category. All contributions sizes will be accepted and are tax deductible.

2,000 copies of the Ag Business Service Directory targets existing Washington and Saratoga County agricultural producers, as well as new and potential producers looking for service providers or looking to relocate to our area. Distribution occurs at both CCE offices, CCE programs and events, County Fairs, the Washington County Local Development Corporation, and direct mailings. The directory is also on the AED website at www.aedpws.org.

Washington County Ag Industrial Development Enhancement and Retention Committee, county Agricultural and Farmland Protection Boards, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington and Saratoga Counties originally developed the Agricultural Economic Development program. The mission of the Agricultural Economic Development program is to retain existing agricultural businesses and to increase agricultural viability and profitability in both counties. The AED program accomplishes this through partnerships that will support existing businesses and attract new enterprises, while improving the quality of life for the residents of Washington and Saratoga counties.

The AED program has been creating opportunities for the agricultural industry and the local economy. The program is solid, researched and has proven valuable to the farmers and the communities involved. Due to budget constraints, to be successful this program needs your continued contribution and support.

Highlights of the AED program this past year include:
- Upper Hudson Agricultural Leadership Forum (UHALF) - the program provided a platform for twenty two agricultural professionals to develop and expand their leadership abilities and understanding of the food and agricultural industry in the Capital District and New York State. UHALF is a nine-session leadership enhancement program that incorporates the policy making process, marketing and communication skills, and personal development.

- CCE Equine - an economic development program to help the increase the economic vitality of the equine industry in the Saratoga region. AED was instrumental in securing the funding and continues to work closely with the program. During the first grant period, CCE Equine had a total economic impact $2,432,440.00 for the equine industry. With the new equine program focus, we hope to greatly increase the business listings related to horses and expand to creating a separate equine directory.

- Farm to Chef Express (FCX) - Paula was recognized at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as a winner in the Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture, ranking as the top program in this category in the Northeast Region. FCX helped sustain farms and promote efficient use of non-renewable resources by coordinating delivery to New York City. With its first delivery of products to New York City chefs on June 23, 2004, over 30 farmers connected with 25+ chefs selling over $390,000 at the end of July 2006 of locally grown products.
Visit www.farmtochefinc.com

- Developing Marketing Materials - to promote agriculture such as the Washington County Farm guide, Saratoga Area Farm Tour brochure, and the "Are You Thinking About Moving To The Country?" brochure.

- Educational Programs - in the areas of grants, Ag and Farmland Protection, Livestock Marketing, and Agricultural Leadership.

- Farm Tours - assisted in the planning of Sundae on the Farm, Saratoga County Fiber Tour, the Cheese Tour, the Al Fresco Farm Tour, and the Tour de Farm.

- Improving Communications - an email listserve with over 220 producers, a weekly e-newsletter, and a website sharing vital communication links, resources, and agricultural related information for Washington and Saratoga County agricultural producers. Visit www.aedpws.org.

We hope you take the opportunity to be included in the Ag Business Service Directory and chose to contribute to continue the AED program's success. If you have any questions about the directory or the AED program please feel free to contact me at 746-2560 or 885-8995. Thank you for your time and consideration.

See the Contribution Form for more details.

See 2008 Directory

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