Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites farmers and residents to share ideas at upcoming public meetings on the updated Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County residents will soon have a chance to help shape the future of local agriculture. County Executive Adam Bello has announced a pair of public meetings where farmers, landowners, and community members can share their input as officials update Monroe County’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan.

The first of these meetings will take place in person on Wednesday, November 12th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Henrietta Public Library, 625 Calkins Road. For those who prefer to join remotely, a virtual session is set for Thursday, November 13th, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. No registration is needed to attend in person, but those joining online can sign up through MonroeCountyAgPlan.com.

The goal of these discussions is simple: to hear from the people who work the land and live in the communities that depend on it. The county’s Department of Planning and Development, together with consultants from LaBella Associates, will lead the sessions, gathering feedback to help guide the next version of the plan.

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“Monroe County boasts more than 600 farms, spanning more than 100,000 acres of premium farmland,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our economy and a key to our community’s well-being. Yet, we face the challenge of losing nearly 700 acres of this indispensable land each year. Supporting our farmers starts with protecting this irreplaceable farmland and ensuring that our agricultural legacy continues to flourish for generations to come.”

Bello’s remarks underline what’s at stake. As farmland continues to shrink, the county’s agricultural roots face growing pressure from development and shifting land use. Updating the Farmland Protection Plan is a chance to reexamine local policies and ensure that agriculture remains viable—not just as a business sector, but as a defining part of Monroe County’s identity.

County officials emphasize that public involvement is crucial to making the plan effective. Residents who attend can share firsthand insights about challenges facing farmers today, from economic pressures to environmental concerns. Their feedback will help shape future strategies for preserving farmland, supporting agricultural businesses, and sustaining rural landscapes that have long been part of Monroe County’s heritage.

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In addition to attending the meetings, community members are encouraged to visit MonroeCountyAgPlan.com to follow the plan’s progress, review updates, and sign up for ongoing notifications about events or findings.

Through these efforts, the county aims not only to protect farmland but to strengthen the connection between agriculture and community. By bringing residents together to discuss ideas and solutions, officials hope to ensure that Monroe County’s fields and farms continue to thrive—feeding both the local economy and the next generation.