When Schoharie County’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan was adopted in May of 2000, one of the first recommendations to be implemented was to establish the County Agricultural Marketing Specialist position.
Now, nine years later, Michele Strobeck of Cobleskill has been appointed as the newest Agricultural Marketing Specialist for the county.
Working with guidance and direction from Schoharie County government, Schoharie County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), Schoharie County Planning and Development Agency and Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ms. Strobeck will now take the lead in coordinating the agricultural economic development initiatives within the county.
Among the priorities outlined in the original plan, the primary focus of the job is to identify new markets for agricultural products and services, coordinate agricultural tourism, provide technical assistance to farmers as well as expand financing programs.
“In today’s current economic climate it is even more important for people to remember that farming of all types is essential to the financial, environmental and social health of Schoharie County,” said Strobeck.
“I am excited about the opportunity to build upon what both Tammy Graves and Lee Pratt did to work with the farmers to expand their marketing efforts, explore untapped resources, and plan for the future of agriculture within the county.”
“There are many ways to be innovative and resourceful to enhance a farm’s profitability and longevity, which in turn will preserve open space.”
“Michele comes to us with a background in agricultural business and agricultural education and has had valuable work experience with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and as an intern for New York Farm Bureau,” said Alicia Terry, director of the Planning and Development Agency.
“It is a good fit for her to step in and continue the efforts of the two previous Ag Marketing Specialists and develop some new initiatives and programs.”
One of the first major projects Ms. Strobeck will be working on is to apply for funding to revise the current Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan.
“It is important to evaluate where we have come in the last nine years,” said Richard Bates, chairman of the AFPB. “Several towns are currently working on or are interested in creating municipal farmland protection plans, however, the economic impact of agriculture in the county still needs to be evaluated through a cohesive and coordinated effort.”
In addition to applying for grants, Ms. Strobeck has several events she will be attending this summer and fall where she will promote local agriculture and highlight its importance to the local economy.
People who are interested in finding out where they can go to support local farmers can request a copy of the Farm Fresh Guide to Schoharie County from the Schoharie County Planning and Development Agency or contact Ms. Strobeck directly at 234-3751 or michelestrobeck@co.schoharie.ny.us.