HAMDEN — A pioneering applied educational and economic development initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County (CCE Delaware) is gaining national recognition for its transformative impact on local agriculture. The program successfully combined farmer education on grant writing and management with $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan funding to strengthen economic viability across Delaware County’s agricultural community in response to the challenges and opportunities presented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the forefront of the educational component of this program is Desiree Keever, CCE Delaware’s Farm Business Management & Agricultural Development Educator, who was honored as New York State’s Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture award winner by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). Keever attended the NACAA’s annual conference alongside over 1,400 agents from across the country, where she delivered one oral presentation and participated in two poster sessions on the success and replicability of the Delaware County program.
“This recognition reflects the hard work of our ag staff, and the dedication of local farmers who continue to invest in their farms to feed our communities,” said Keever. “We’re proud to be building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural economy in Delaware County and are excited to share our experiences with our extension counterparts across the country to keep the agricultural landscape vibrate and our food system strong.”
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