J 948: Congratulating Farmstead 1868 upon the occasion of its designation as Small Business of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College

 Senate Resolution No. 948 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Farmstead 1868 upon the occasion of its designation as Small Business of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College WHEREAS, Small businesses of all kinds, across all industries, are crucial to the enduring health and prosperity of our communities and to the economies of our great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Farmstead 1868 upon the occasion of its designation as Small Business of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College; and WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for food security, the production of various products, environmental stewardship, and raw materials, among many other impactful reasons; and WHEREAS, Farmstead 1868 is the product of passionate and knowledgeable agricultural cultivation and management, carefully and expertly curated over the past 157 years; and WHEREAS, This notable business, a unique force in the Cazenovia, New York community, has consistently displayed resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human needs throughout their many years of business; and WHEREAS, Beginning in 1868, Kendall Cody began the farm and predominantly produced hops and switched after a fungus destroyed the hop industry to dairy; he handed the farm down to his son at the time of his passing, allowing for the continuation of the Cody family's agricultural legacy; and WHEREAS, Present day owner, Monica Cody, throughout a myriad of hardships and challenges, has proven her natural ability as a leader and a farmer, cultivating a prolific farmstead abundant with lavender plants and livestock; and WHEREAS, With a depth of knowledge as a former bioengineer, Monica Cody was inspired by countless scientific studies demonstrating that lavender has powerful effects on the brain; these studies indicate that the plant can help reduce stress and promote relaxation; and WHEREAS, Beginning as a small garden project, Farmstead 1868's casual planting of lavender has now grown into an operation that grows over 4,000 of the calm-inducing plants; the lavender fields now turn into a "U-pick" farm in the summer season, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the therapeutic effects of the plant firsthand; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Farmstead 1868 has found success in the production and sale of their small batch, handcrafted products which range from essential oils and candles to sachets, balms, and beyond; and WHEREAS, The innovation, diversity, strength, job creation, and quality of life that small businesses bring to our economy and communities are vital elements for our State's long-term strength and prosperity; and WHEREAS, The innovation, diversity, job creation, and quality of life that small businesses bring to our communities are invaluable and such businesses cannot be sufficiently extolled; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Farmstead 1868 upon the occasion of its designation as Small Business of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monica Cody, owner of Farmstead 1868.