WHITESTOWN — In support of the local agricultural industry and in an effort to connect the community to the farmers and growers who provide safe, affordable food, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County is creating a photo art project to put a face to the farmer.

The “Faces of Agriculture Are Many” Inside Out Action project initiative will focus on the faces of farmers, growers, and the future of agriculture in Oneida County – be it refugees, immigrants, or the other members of the community – by capturing at least 50 portraits to be printed, for free, through Inside Out Project in black and white on 36-inch by 53-inch poster paper.

The portraits will then be displayed outdoors for all to see, organizers said.

The goal of “Faces of Agriculture” is to inspire community members, policymakers, and businesses to take note of the importance of agriculture and participate in supporting its sustainability, the Cornell Cooperative Extension announcement said.

As the “Faces of Agriculture” comes together, a preview featuring a portion of the portraits together in one collage will be on display at the Boonville Oneida County Fair later this month. The fair, which will take place July 26-31, also features an array of agricultural displays and attractions — and provides local farm youth a chance to display their animals or crops in competition.

A full reveal of the completed project will take place in the fall. The location of the outdoor display is yet to be determined, said CCE member Bonnie Collins, who’s looking forward to community members’ ideas.

For more information and to track the project’s progress, check out the “Faces of Agriculture” website via searching the project name on www.insideoutproject.net.