NY farmers benefit from CCE rapid response

By Blake Jackson

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) plays a vital role in supporting New York's agricultural sector during emergencies. Recent tornadoes in Erie County and flooding in Lewis County highlighted CCE's ability to respond quickly and effectively.

“Our ag educators reach out directly to the farmers they have relationships with, and we offer information and resources to help them get through these kinds of emergencies,” said Diane Held, CCE Erie County executive director. CCE acts as a liaison between local farmers, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, FEMA, and other state and federal partners.

Following the Lewis County storm, CCE staff sprang into action. “We were at the office when we started to get reports about damage to the fairgrounds,” said Michele Ledoux, CCE Lewis County executive director. “We divided up our staff, and our 4-H and Farm to School Coordinator helped at the small animal and dairy barn with all the volunteers. We were trying to be community-minded, so the fair could go on as planned.”

These efforts exemplify CCE's commitment to statewide emergency preparedness through its All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Education Program (APREP).

Led by Assistant Director Keith Tidball, APRES works alongside the New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) to gather information on agricultural damage and relay it to state and federal agencies.

“Cornell Cooperative Extension is a vital emergency response resource for New York’s agricultural sector, thanks to its extensive network of specialists across the state and expert knowledge base,” said Paolo Audino, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' Emergency Management Coordinator.

CCE's role extends beyond information gathering. "We can connect farmers with resources," said Ledoux. "For example, if a farmer needs sandbags, we can put them in touch with the Environmental Management Committee."

As the focus shifts from response to recovery, CCE provides resources for rebuilding and future preparedness. "After the 2014 snowstorm, we shared information on rebuilding with snow load in mind," said Held. Information gathered by CCE Erie County even helped secure $2 million in funding for impacted farms.

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