The Chautauqua County Agricultural Development & Enhancement Strategy (CCADES) is an update to the County’s Farmland Protection Plan. The objective of the update is to provide an accurate reflection of the current agricultural conditions in Chautauqua County and devise strategies to increase the economic viability of the agricultural industry, encourage farmland protection, and to increase public interest and awareness of local agriculture.
Farming and agribusinesses represent a significant component of the County and regional economy. The purpose of CCADES is to protect the County’s agricultural resources by identifying strategies to encourage and increase the economic viability of the agricultural industries and all of its components in Chautauqua County. The planning process will focus on countywide agricultural issues and resources, in relation to regional, national, and international markets.
The plan provides support for farmers to enhance profitability of agriculture and assess farmland and agricultural resources. It also provides a strategy for County leadership to identify opportunities and issues for preservation, provides guidance to municipal planning and direct Countywide and regional planning and investment.