Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that the state will spend $17.6 million to protect 6,440 acres of farmland, including 499 acres in Orange and Dutchess counties.
The funds from the Farmland Protection Implementation Program will be used to maintain the land”™s use in agriculture and protect it against future development.
“Farming supports jobs, businesses and economic activity in communities across New York, making it a major part of this state”™s economy, as well a rich part of our heritage,” Cuomo said in a statement. “As interest in our New York-grown food and beverages continues to rise, this funding will ensure that this farmland will be preserved and a part of this critically important industry for generations to come.”
The Dutchess Land Conservancy will receive $1,626,188 to preserve the 88-acre Great Song Farm in Milan and the 183-acre Schultz Hill Farms in Pine Plains.
Great Song Farm is a community-supported agriculture and farm store. The farm helps to buffer two tributaries and one sub-tributary to the Saw Kill. The Dutchess Land Conservancy will contribute $51,625 toward this project.
Schultz Hill Farms is a 183-acre dairy operation. Schultz Hill Farms helps to buffer one sub-tributary to Shekomeko Creek, a stream that supports a spawning native trout population. Scenic Hudson Land Trust will contribute $405,162 and the Dutchess Land Conservancy will contribute $5,000 toward the project.
The Orange County Land Trust will receive $931,800 to permanently protect Windfall Farms, a 142-acre vegetable operation in Hamptonburgh. The farm helps to buffer Beaverdam Brook and lies within the Northern Wallkill Priority Area designated for farmland protection by the land trust. Scenic Hudson Land Trust will contribute $300,000 toward the project.
The Scenic Hudson Land Trust also will receive $531,900 to permanently protect Jones Farm in Cornwall, an 86-acre fruit-vegetable-hay operation with onsite bakery, gift shop, cold storage and kitchen. Jones Farm helps to buffer the adjoining Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Scenic Hudson Land Trust will contribute $118,126 and the Hudson Highlands Land Trust will contribute $100,000 toward this project.
