About
History
This group started out as a Schoharie County Agricultural Roundtable Initiative. The Roundtable brought together agricultural stakeholders as a means to cultivate and grow the Schoharie County's agricultural economic development. One of the needs identified at the Roundtable was a way to better inform farmers about opportunities available. The discussion evolved about the need to work collaboratively on a clearinghouse for those people engaged in farming and agribusiness to search for information.
As we talked about Schoharie County specifically, we realized that the Mohawk Valley Region needed a way to engage with farmers and agribusinesses and to address the need across the region for an easy to find, navigate place for those in agriculture.
The Mohawk Valley has always had a strong agricultural heritage - from the 1600s when it was settled by Dutch traders to the 1700s when it was called the "Breadbasket of the Revolution". Even today, farms and agribusinesses play an important role in our economy. 5% of all farmland in Upstate New York is in the Mohawk Valley Region. We have the ability to leverage our location and proximity to major metropolitan areas, our abundant natural resources, rich farmlands, and our agricultural ecosystem to generate more economic activity.
A Farm Action Network For All
A successful network is a community where everyone can participate, contribute, and benefit from connecting with others. That’s why we are setting a table with space for everyone. We welcome you to grab a seat and join the conversation so that together, we can build a more resilient food system.
That being said, the Mohawk Valley Farm and Agribusiness Network is a work in progress. We have much to learn, including how we can create a hub that over time will be a reflection of our community. We are committed to taking an approach to inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility as we develop our language and communications, outreach, and leadership.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding while we continue to evolve.
