Agribusiness study is good news for region

 LITTLE VALLEY -The results of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise agribusiness study show Western New York positioned to capitalize on international changes now under way in agriculture.

The study coincides with the approaching completion of Cattaraugus County's Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan that will help local agribusiness efforts to become competitive.

County planning and economic development staffers at an informational session last week at Jamestown Community College's Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean learned that the region should brand agricultural products to let consumers know they are special.

The study also suggests the ag sector should identify and organize people and organizations that need to cooperate in growing the region?s ag industry. Growth will be encouraged by marketing existing assets and recruiting outside companies that complement the assets, according to the study results.

"Western New York's competitive land costs, close proximity to major markets and diversity of agricultural products are fundamental for attracting companies to the region," said John Rhodes, an agricultural business expert from the firm of Moran, Stahl & Boyer who addressed the group.

County Economic Development Director Tom Livak said the plan should encourage formation of long-term policy to support agriculture, and guide local programs for ag economic development and land-use initiatives. The plan can be seen on the county's Web site beginning in April at www.cattco.org.