Critz Farms, of Cazenovia, has been named Business of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society. The award, which promotes New York’s food system by recognizing the quality, leadership and innovation demonstrated by state farms and agribusinesses, was given during the society’s Jan. 4 annual meeting.
The theme for the 186th Annual Forum was “Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Technology.” The NYSAS, which has 700 members representing all facets of the agricultural and food industry in the Empire State, recognizes and promotes the best in state agriculture. The society’s annual meeting and forum, conducted in January in Syracuse, is the largest and oldest statewide agricultural meeting that brings together all sectors of the food system to explore topics critical to the future of agriculture and to honor New York producers, farm organizations, media and businesses who are leaders in their respective communities and specialization.
Of the eight award types distributed at the 2018 Forum, Critz Farms was recognized as the 2018 Business of the Year winner in the production category. The agribusiness category winner was the New York Apple Association, Inc. of Victor, N.Y.
Critz Farms is a family owned, diversified business established in 1985 that focuses on family entertainment and education. Located in Madison County, Critz Farms consists of approximately 350 acres, situated 3.5 miles south of Route 20 in the town of Cazenovia.
Most of Critz Farms’ land is now permanently protected through the NYS Farmland Protection Program to remain forever development free and available for agricultural purposes. Owners Matthew and Juanita Critz are first generation farmers and live on the farm. Their youngest son works in the business full time, and their remaining two adult children help out periodically during the year.
A wide variety of crops are grown at Critz Farms, including pumpkins, apples, conifer trees grown for use as Christmas trees, gourds, strawberries, blueberries and flowers. Farm produced products include sweet apple cider, award-winning hard cider, craft beer, pure maple syrup and other maple products, as well as balsam fir wreaths. The farm is also home to a small herd of goats, ponies and a llama.
The farm’s innovation and continuous improvement has occurred gradually over the past 30 years. Driven by customer interest, the Critzes have combined their entrepreneurial spirit and education to create a popular agritourism destination for Syracuse and Central New York residents.
The family has developed every aspect of Critz Farms as a potential learning experience incorporating educational tours for visitors. They believe that people are interested in learning where their food comes from and are seeking a fun, educational farm experience. Their mission is to help people understand agriculture better while enjoying a day on the farm.
Critz Farms, Inc. has been previously recognized by the NYS Department of Economic Development as a winner of the NYS Agritourism Business of the Year Award.
