MONTICELLO, NY — The Agriculture Task Force recently had its first meeting and is taking steps to implement the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. The plan was instituted in December 2014 by the Sullivan County Legislature with a grant from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and is designed to evaluate the current status of agriculture in Sullivan County and outline initiatives to further promote and enhance it, with an emphasis on agricultural economic development.

At the recent Town of Delaware meeting, committee member Tom Kappner was there to give an overview of the plan. He called it an “ambitious document” that has a “solid and comprehensive analysis.” He also said the committee is still looking to fill a position, and is specifically looking for a young and/or new farmer.

Agriculture represents one of the largest economic sectors in Sullivan County. In 2012, agricultural industries, including agricultural production, support services and manufacturing, directly contributed $741.1 million in sales and nearly 1,500 jobs in the county.

To view the plan and to see more information, visit www.co.sullivan.ny.us.