Agribusiness
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In 2012, the total food expenditures in Oneida County exceeded $536 and companies providing value-added agriculture, this industry cluster of the 2013 EDGEccelerator Business Competition finalists were agribu
The Food Policy Advisory Council In May, County Executive Picente announced the creation of the Food Policy Advisory Council for Oneida County. Through Peter Zawko, EDGE is represented. The Council’s role is to identify, develop, promote and support efforts related to a resilient local food system where affordable, nutritious food is accessible to all. The Council focuses on three key areas: healthy people, a healthy environment and a healthy economy. The Food Policy Advisory Council was formed as a result of the efforts of Mohawk Valley Food Action Network under a USDA Hunger Free Communities grant awarded to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. The grant provided funding to analyize data related to food security indicators in order to prioritize opportunities for development of stronger localized food systems. A copy of the report can be found at https://cornell.app.box.com/s/pt4974grnshihhk8ej5i.
Brooklyn Initiative Building on the successful co-packaging relationship between Matt Brewing Company and Brooklyn Brewing, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, along with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and EDGE, are looking at creating businessto-business networking opportunities to help match Brooklyn food manufacturers with Mohawk Valley food producers and food manufacturers. Co-packaging has already proven successful in the region due to its strategic location, experienced workforce and low cost of real estate. A large number of businesses are already actively involved in contract manufacturing, including DeIorio’s, Sovena USA and Redco Foods.
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