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Monroe County, New York

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

The county features relatively flat terrain along Lake Ontario's southern shore, with the Genesee River flowing through Rochester before entering the lake. The landscape transitions to gently rolling hills as it moves inland from the lakeshore plain.

Urban proximity limits agricultural land, but remaining farms focus on high-value crops including vegetables, fruits, and nursery products. Dairy operations persist in the rural southern portions of the county where development pressure is lower.

Quick Facts
RegionFinger Lakes
Top CommoditiesVegetables, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Dairy
Farms & Ranches~180 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~94,000 acres
Average Farm Size~184 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Monroe County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Monroe County Operations

Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Urban agriculture initiatives and farmland protection programs help preserve remaining agricultural areas. High tunnel and season extension practices are promoted to maximize production on limited acreage.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Monroe County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Monroe County?"

Your Next Steps in Monroe County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide

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