Putnam County's agricultural community has a new leader as Nicole Scott, director of Agriculture and Outreach at Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, takes the helm of the Putnam County Agricultural Board amid ongoing county investments aimed at supporting local farmers.
Scott recently met with County Executive Kevin Byrne and Cornell Cooperative Extension officials at Tilly Foster Farm, where they highlighted a new agricultural assistance program and toured Cornell Cooperative Extension's future headquarters, currently under construction on the property.
The county recently allocated $25,000 to Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide agricultural navigation services, helping farmers navigate regulations, permitting requirements, grant opportunities and other government processes. County officials said the initiative grew out of Byrne's Future of Farming Roundtable discussions held last year.
"Farming today involves far more than working the land," Byrne said. "Our farmers are often forced to navigate layers of bureaucracy and regulations that can be difficult and time-consuming."
Joining Byrne and Scott during the visit were Agricultural Board members, Planning, Development and Transportation Commissioner Barbara Barosa, Real Property Tax Services Director Patricia McLoughlin and Stefanie Hubert, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County.
The group also toured Cornell Cooperative Extension's new barn facility under construction at Tilly Foster Farm. The building will serve as the organization's new headquarters and expand its agricultural and educational programming throughout Putnam County.
Scott, who was recently selected by fellow Agricultural Board members to serve as chair, said she looks forward to working with county officials and agricultural partners to strengthen local farming.
"It's an honor to be chosen by my fellow board members to serve as chair," Scott said. "Putnam County has an incredible community of farmers and agricultural advocates, and I look forward to working alongside county government, Cornell Cooperative Extension and fellow community members to strengthen and protect agriculture here."
Hubert said the partnership between the county and Cornell Cooperative Extension will create new opportunities to serve the local farming community.
The Putnam County Agricultural Board advises county leaders on issues affecting agriculture and works to preserve and strengthen the county's farming industry.
Article provided by the County Executive's Office
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