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Ontario County, New York

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

The county is defined by Canandaigua Lake and Honeoye Lake along with rolling hills and steep-sided valleys characteristic of the Finger Lakes region. The landscape features well-drained slopes ideal for perennial crops and scenic rural vistas.

Grape production and winemaking have become signature agricultural enterprises, taking advantage of the lake-moderated climate and sloped terrain. Traditional dairy farming continues alongside the growing wine industry, with many operations diversifying into agritourism.

Quick Facts
RegionFinger Lakes
Top CommoditiesDairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts
Farms & Ranches~350 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~170,000 acres
Average Farm Size~214 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 "Ontario 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 Ontario County Operations

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

Vineyard management practices focus on soil conservation on sloped sites and integrated pest management. Lake watershed protection programs maintain water quality in the pristine Finger Lakes.

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 Ontario County's specific LWG priorities yet.

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

Your Next Steps in Ontario 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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