CCE Strategic Plan

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County is committed to responding to the needs of our citizens and develop our goals in direct response to community input. Our current strategic plan identifies three major impact areas: Agriculture & Local Food, Community Health & Wellness, and Organizational Sustainability and Visibility.

We have an extensive system for getting input from diverse interests in the community, and we welcome your ideas and involvement in our efforts. If you are interested in how CCE-Essex sets program priorities, or if you'd like more information on how to get involved, please get in touch with the contact listed below.

2025 to 2027 Plan Highlights

Agriculture and Local Food

• Connect Essex County with Cornell resources.
• Implement 2022 Farmland Protection and Food System Plan and report to public on progress.
• Ensure profitable, sustainable sale of agriculture products through Adirondack Harvest program.
• Provide education programs to support agricultural economic viability.

Community Health and Wellness

• Target educational programs to documented health and wellness needs.
• Increase utilization of senior wellness programs throughout Essex County.
• Provide Farm to School, Farmers’ Market and consumer horticulture education programs to increase understanding of nutritious, local food and gardening.
• Increase social-emotional health of youth through 4-H Mentoring.

Organizational Sustainability and Visibility

• Execute successful transition to new building, creating more efficient staff workflows and collaborations.
• Support staff through cohesive and inclusive culture and exceptional employment practices.
• Increase engagement with and utilization of expertise from Program Advisory Committees.
• Continuously evaluate program outcomes, organizational health and sustainability of CCE’s business model.

To request a copy of the full 2025-2027 Strategic Plan please email  essex@cornell.edu

Last updated January 15, 2026