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.