Town and Village of Mexico Welcome Public Input on Agricultural Planning

MEXICO – The Town and Village of Mexico invite residents to an informal open house on Thursday, Oct. 16 to learn about the ongoing planning efforts to protect and strengthen the area’s agriculture industry. The event runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at McAuslan Hall, 3245 Main St., Mexico, so people can attend any time during that period, and everyone is welcome.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• View new maps showing farmland, soils, land use, priority farmland areas and more.
• Talk to local planning committee members and planning consultants about the draft goals established so far and the tentative vision for the future of the town and village.
• Offer comments and suggestions about how the agricultural industry, open spaces and the rural character of the community can be preserved.
• Share ideas for shaping the future of farming, as well as policies and programs that support local farms and farmers.

The planning committee will also meet with farmers and farmland owners from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 16 to address their specific agricultural needs. They will hear a presentation from planners, then break into work groups with them to discuss ideas for preserving the farming industry in the years to come. Pizza will be provided for farmers and farmland owners, who are strongly encouraged to reserve their spot for this free session by calling Marcia Delong at 315-313-5760.

For the last several months, the Town and Village of Mexico have been working together on a joint Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan through a grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Municipal Farmland Protection Plan Program. The municipal partnership has also been working with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other community stakeholders.

Their collaborative efforts have accomplished much so far, including the summer launch of the Mexico Farmers’ Market to promote area farms and the produce and goods they have to offer.

For more information, call Marcia Delong at 315-313-5760.

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