Farms: Federal Funds to Enable Large Farmland Preservation Effort

Partnership will protect 700 acres on 10 farms in Hudson Valley USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Scenic Hudson, Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC), state officials, Town of Red Hook officials, other local leaders, and farmers today announced federal Farm Bill funding that will enable Scenic Hudson and its partners to complete the purchase of conservation easements on 10 farms in Dutchess and Columbia counties. When the easement transactions are completed in early 2012, nearly 700 acres of productive agricultural land will continue sustaining local economies while providing the public with fresh, healthy produce and meats via local and New York City greenmarkets and by direct sales to homes and restaurants. In addition, one of the farms offers year-round horse boarding and training services. The total cost of all 10 projects is more than $3.6 million, including $1.8 million in funding from the Farm Bill, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, $1.2 million from Scenic Hudson and $615,000 from the Town of Red Hook, with DLC contributing toward stewardship and project expenses. The transactions will provide a direct infusion of capital to the farmers involved, who can then invest the funds in the productive capacity of their farms.