Saratoga Springs, New York, March 17, 2009—More than 150 farmers, local officials, environmental groups, economic development agencies, local food advocates and others from across Central New York will gather for a conference to highlight ways that public and private partners at the local level can bolster Central New York’s agricultural economy and protect the land upon which farmers depend. 

“Farms can generate local jobs and renewable energy while enhancing the environment and producing fresh, healthy foods,” said David Haight, New York Director for the American Farmland Trust. “More New York communities are making these connections and want to take action locally to improve economic opportunities for farmers and protect valuable farmland.” 

The conference titled Planning for Farms, Food and Energy in Central New York will be held on March 25th at the Holiday Inn on Electronics Parkway in Syracuse from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Conference session topics include: Tools for Planning for Agriculture; Protecting Water and Agriculture; Revitalizing Local Food Systems; Farm Friendly Zoning; Agriculture’s Impact on Local Economies and Budgets; and Energy Opportunities and Agriculture.

Featured event speakers include: Jon Scholl, President, American Farmland Trust; Patrick Hooker, Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; and Paul Beyer, Director of Smart Growth.

The conference is made possible by generous financial support from the American Agriculturist Foundation, Central New York Community Foundation, Park Foundation, Sarah K. de Coizart Article Tenth Perpetual Charitable Trust and the members of American Farmland Trust.

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