Rockland Farm Alliance Inc., the operator of the historic Cropsey Community Farm in New City, is liquidating its assets.
The farm alliance declared $75,129 in assets and $112,214 in liabilities, in a Chapter 7 petition filed on Dec. 4 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains.
“The Rockland Farm Alliance Inc. is insolvent and unable to pay its debts as they mature,” the board of directors declared in a Nov. 17 resolution, and “it would be in the best interests of creditors … to file a voluntary petition under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy code.”
The petition does not explain how the nonprofit organization incurred financial problems, but it alludes to management conflicts. Executive Director Sue Ferreri has filed a discrimination and harassment claim against the farm alliance, with the state Division of Human Rights. Her last day as executive director was Nov. 30.
The farm alliance is a coalition of farmers, community activists, local officials and interested citizens, according to its website. John McDowell founded the organization in 2007 to support sustainable agriculture amidst dwindling Rockland County farmland in the once major agricultural hub.
Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown license the old Cropsey Farm to the farm alliance. The 24-acre property uses sustainable agricultural practices, according to its website, and donates a thousand pounds of produce to local food pantries yearly.
Its educational programs encourage people “to get their hands in the soil for the first time,” and teach children how to “tend the garden, explore nature, cook their harvests.”
In 2017, the National Park Service put Cropsey Community Farm on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2019, a circa-1800 barn was restored for $1.55 million.
Gross revenues have increased by 44% over nearly three years, according to the bankruptcy petition. The farm alliance booked $369,232 in 2022, $473,122 in 2023, and $530,095 through November this year.
It owes $64,169 to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and $48,044 for various goods and services. But it has only $15,560 in bank accounts and is owed $14,373 for its goods and services.
The petition states that the livestock and perishable goods are in need of immediate attention. The farm has 15 chickens, 6 ducks, 3 pigs, 3 miniature goats, 2 goats and 2 turkeys.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced on Nov. 4 that the county is seeking a new operator for Cropsey Community Farm. In the meantime, the Division of Environmental Resources will assume responsibility for the animals and the property.
