Agriculture among main takeaways from Anthony Picente and his 2023 State of Oneida County Address

UTICA- Strengthening agriculture, ensuring public safety and economic growth in Oneida County were all major points Executive Anthony Picente discussed in his 2023 State of the County Address.

“In the past, I have said there is a bright future ahead. Well, it isn’t ahead anymore. It’s here,” Picente said.

“The accomplishments are real. The progress is real. The positivity is real. We are no longer the community that asks ‘What if?’ Instead, we ask ‘What’s next?’”

In terms of the county’s number one industry, Executive Picente revealed steps he plans to help strengthen local agriculture, including partnerships with Cornell Cooperative Extension, co-ops and the Farm Bureau to safeguard dairy farmers’ bottom lines in a worst-case scenario by creating an emergency fund.

In addition, the county will also commission a dairy fund for additional dairy processing plants.

In a first-of-its kind effort to assist farmers in finding employees, Picente also proposed a program that would utilize non-profit agency partners to establish a farm training program that matches the differently-abled community with agricultural work.

Visit Oneida County's website to read and watch Picente's address.

Image via Oneida County Government.