MAYVILLE, N.Y. – More than three dozen local officials and representatives from various local agencies participated in a Chautauqua County “Field to Manufacturing” tour on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The tour involved three separate businesses – Yerico Farms in Sheridan, the Original Crunch Roll Factory in Westfield, and Steelbound Brewery & Distillery in Dunkirk – and gave participants the opportunity to see first-hand how three local businesses work together to grow, process, and prepare locally grown food
The tour was the result of the county’s Agriculture Development Enhancement Strategy, which was adopted by the county legislature in 2022 in response to the changing agriculture industry across the country. The strategy was created to ensure agricultural industries in the county are not only supported and maintained, but also prosper from new opportunities.
Local challenges identified in the Strategy included: loss of farmland, aging farmer population, farm labor shortage, regulatory burdens and barriers, and limited product innovation and development. But for every challenge, county officials also identified opportunities to improve. They included ensuring farmland succession, investing in product development, developing an agricultural workforce, and supporting agricultural engineering.
The Strategy included over 80 recommendations, including a need to educate elected officials about agriculture, with the purpose of leading to policies and initiatives that have a positive impact on the industry.
Tuesday’s field to manufacturing tour was hosted by Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD), Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Chautauqua County, and the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and served the purpose of allowing participants the ability to explore and learn about the interconnectivity between agricultural and manufacturing production.
The first stop on the tour was Yerico Farms. Yerico Farms currently operated by the third and fourth generation Yericos and is more than just a produce stand. Attendees saw and heard about the need to diversify farms to keep consumers stopping in year-round, innovative equipment to lessen the need for additional labor, and how the farm is expanding into new and different markets including local school district cafeterias.
“Diversification is becoming a necessity for success, as is innovation and automation. CCE Chautauqua in partnership with regional Cornell teams can provide educational support to farms as they investigate diversification and experiment with new innovations. CCE’s Chautauqua Grown program helps connect restaurants, manufacturers, institutions and citizens to local farms. Visit chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua-grown to connect with a farm close to you”, said Emily Reynolds, CCE Executive Director.
The Original Crunch Roll Factory was the next stop on the tour. Attendees saw how peppers grown at Yerico Farms are processed and incorporated into the company’s Banana Pepper Crunch Roll and Philly Cheese Steak Crunch Roll. The partnership between the two businesses was driven by Original Crunch Roll Factory’s desire to purchase from local producers and cut out the middle man. The quantity and variety of peppers purchased from Yerico Farms has expanded as Crunch Roll did. Attendees toured the manufacturing facility, heard about up and coming expansion in their product line and investment in new and more efficient equipment, and sampled the Banana Pepper Crunch Roll.
“The Original Crunch Roll Factory’s facility in Westfield has become a great food production success story for Chautauqua County and is an excellent example of the ongoing collaboration and strategic planning occurring between our local businesses. Their desire to work with local suppliers like Yerico Farms not only benefits our local agriculture industry, but also illustrates why it was important for the county to invest in the Crunch Roll Factory.” said Mark Geise, CCIDA Chief Executive Officer and Deputy County Executive for Economic Development.
Yerico Farms’ produce made its final appearance at Steelbound Brewery & Distillery. Steelbound opened its third location just over a year ago. With its menu boasting one of a kind Authentic Indian dining selections, it made perfect sense to incorporate Yerico Farms’ own authenticity into the equation. Produce is picked at Yerico Farms and in a matter of hours is served up in some of Chef Om’s perfectly seasoned dishes. Steelbound embodies the term “Farm to Table” as they begin the majority of the processed with locally sources raw materials used to create amazing food, beer, and liquor.
“I’d like to personally thank Yerico Farms, the Original Crunch Roll Factory and Steelbound Brewery & Distillery for welcoming us for a behind the scene tour of their operation,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Agriculture is a vital part of Chautauqua County’s economy and community. I feel this tour was a unique way to highlight this important industry.”
CCDPD originates programs and activities aimed at improving the community, economy, and quality of life in Chautauqua County. The Department focuses on projects relating to planning, community development and economic development. Planning and community development initiatives support the intelligent and responsible allocation of resources, the promotion of sound growth, the protection and enhancement of the environment, and the advancement of high quality of life for all Chautauqua County residents. Economic development initiatives work to advance economic prosperity throughout Chautauqua County. For more information visit www.planningchautauqua.com.
CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua.Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. They facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit www.ccida.com.
