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USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum 2023

USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum is an opportunity to stay up-to-speed on agricultural market conditions and learn more about USDA programs and initiatives. Join USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production in person at our exhibit booths at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott or register to attend free livestreams of conference sessions online. A full schedule of conference sessions and registration is available on the forum website.

Forum Registration


2022 Census of Agriculture

The 2022 Census of Agriculture is here!

Did you get your invitation? Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at agcounts.usda.gov. If you missed it or prefer paper, the paper questionnaires will follow in December.

The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. By completing the survey, producers across the nation can tell their story and help generate impactful opportunities that better serve them and future generations. It is a powerful voice for U.S. agriculture.

You need only respond once, whether securely online or by mail. The online option offers timesaving features ideal for busy producers. All responses are due Feb. 6, 2023. Farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included in the ag census. Changes for 2022 include new questions about precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep, and updates to internet access questions.

The data not only influence business and supply chain logistics, they inform policy and program decisions that directly impact producers, ag operations, and communities across the United States. For the latest news and updates about the Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.


"SEPTIC SMART FOR LAKE ERIE" WORKSHOP

ATTENTION: Erie County is conducting a workshop offering information on how to properly maintain your septic system and keep them in working order on December 5, 2022. Please see the link below for more information.

https://www4.erie.gov/septicsmart/workshops

2022 Conservation Easement Program

click to view 2022 conservation easement program details

Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Plan Project Update - April 2022

click to view farmland protection and agricultural development plan project update details

Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Plan

2021 Amherst Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan


Town Board Meeting, July 26, 2021 – 2021 Amherst Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan Public Hearing


Video Series Walks Applicants Through CFAP 2 Application

Farmers.gov sent this bulletin at 06/08/2021 10:30 AM EDT

We know forms can be daunting. That’s why our video series provides a step-by-step look at form AD-3117, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) application. Farm Service Agency staff talk through each section of the form in eight simple videos, from the producer agreement to information that is commodity specific.

We are currently accepting new and modified CFAP 2 applications. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn more about the program and how to apply, then watch our CFAP 2 Application Instructions videos for support filling out your application. You can also work directly with FSA staff at your local USDA Service Center for personalized, one-on-one assistance with completing your application.

Watch the Videos


Project Background

Agriculture has played a significant role in the Town of Amherst since its founding 1818.  Extensive development has reduced the number of farms in the Town, but Amherst remains dedicated to the importance of agriculture in maintaining a vibrant, economically diversified, and healthy community.

The Town is now preparing an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan to ensure that the remaining farmland is protected and to envision new and creative ways to keep agriculture economically viable going forward. New trends are emerging, and we are seeking input from the experts and the public about innovative markets and opportunities for the Town’s agricultural community.  Initial ideas include community supported agriculture (CSA), agri-tourism, agricultural educational events/crafts, farm-to-table opportunities and specialty crops (hops, flowers, hemps, alpaca fiber, etc.).

The final product will include a Farmland Protection Plan to inventory existing agricultural assets in the Town and identify priority areas for protection, along with methods for accomplishing that goal. The Agricultural Development component will focus on a feasibility analysis for the adaptive reuse of the North Amherst Recreation Center as part of an agriculture incubator and business park, an analysis on emerging agricultural industries, and a draft guide for how the Town can establish an agri-tourism initiative.

Funding

This Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, the first ever in the Town of Amherst, is being funded through a grant provided by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The Town hired Wendel Companies as the lead consultant on the project, with WWS Planning and Camoin 310 acting as sub-consultants.


Public Meetings

Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Meeting Flyer
View meeting video (Passcode: wp?.4D@G)

Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Steering Committee-5th Meeting
Meeting Minutes
View meeting video

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Steering Committee-4th Meeting

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 7:00 pm
Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Steering Committee – 3rd Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
View meeting video (Passcode: 8G@cv^Cz)

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 7:00 pm
Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Steering Committee – 2nd Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
View meeting video (Passcode: mkD%Q173)

Thursday, March 5, 2020 7: 00 pm
Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Steering Committee Kick-Off Meeting
Kickoff Meeting Summary


STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Rural Development Launches COVID-19 Resource Webpage

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has launched a COVID-19 resource page to keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated on actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more.

View the full Stakeholder Announcement

COVID -19 Consideration to expedite Site Plan Approval for Commercial Farms and Agribusiness expansion


Planning Process

DRAFT Town of Amherst Agriculture Inventory Map


Article & Media


Contact

Amherst Planning Department
5583 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 631-7051
rrappoccio@amherst.ny.us

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

Click for more information about ADA.

Website Contact

The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221