Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes economy, with the region leading New York in farm product sales, totaling $2.34 billion in 2022. According to a recent report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the Finger Lakes boasts the most farmland in the state, covering 1.36 million acres across nine counties, despite a 5% decline since 2017. Notably, Yates, Wayne, Orleans, and Livingston counties experienced growth in farmland acreage, countering statewide trends.
The report highlights the region’s leadership in several agricultural commodities, including dairy, maple syrup, grains, and fruits, as well as its prominence in agritourism. The Finger Lakes also leads New York in wineries, with 131 operating in 2022. However, the farming landscape faces increasing threats, including volatile commodity prices, labor shortages, extreme weather, and the loss of farmland to non-agricultural uses, such as solar energy facilities.
DiNapoli’s report underscores the need for state policies to address these challenges. Recommendations include expanding marketing support for local food sales, investing in climate-resilient farming practices, and protecting farmland from conversion. The report also advocates for initiatives to train new farmers, ensuring the sustainability of agriculture as both an economic driver and a vital food source for New York communities.
