CANTON -- Draft elements of St. Lawrence County’s Agricultural Development Plan, which officials say is "aimed at helping strengthen and diversify the agricultural industry," are now online for review and comment.

The draft plan is available at: https://www.stlawco.org/Departments/Planning/Publications/AgPlan.

“The draft document includes an economic profile based on census data; a land analysis based on soils and forestry data; a public forum summary; a survey summary; and goals and actions to address issues identified by the farming community” said Matilda M. Larson, a Planner II in the County Planning Office. “This summer, we compiled ag survey results, developed guidelines for farm-friendly land use regulations, and just finished the goals and actions for the Plan.”

Larson explained that the goals and actions respond to issues identified at public forums and online survey, issues identified by project stakeholders; they are based on trends or issues identified in the Plan’s economic profile and land analysis.

The County’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will hold a public hearing at their next meeting on Nov, 3.,

“That’s where I’ll present highlights from the plan and talk about its goals and actions,” she said. “The public hearing will be held Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the County Public Safety Building, 49 1/2 Court St.

Anyone who is unable to attend the public hearing in person can send comments to mlarson@stlawco.org or call 379-2292.