Veteran-owned business cultivates major expansion

Photo by Bob Rozycki

Supported by a $6.2 million package from the Empire State Development Corp., Continental Organics, a veteran-owned business specializing in the production of organic produce, fish and fertilizer, will invest $49.8 million toward a five-year project that includes the construction of a 900,000-square-foot facility in New Windsor.
The facility would create 120 new jobs, many to be filled by military veterans, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

The company credits its success with the Orange County Business Accelerator; it was first in when the so-called incubator opened in 2009 and is the first to leave for greener pastures.

Continental Organics CEO Michael Finnegan said, “I believe that organic food is the future of food production and I am thrilled to be able to bring it to the Hudson Valley. We spent the past year operating out of the offices of the Orange County Business Accelerator. They were incredibly helpful in getting us started. We were the first client of the new Orange County Business Accelerator and now we are going to be the first business to graduate to a new home in Orange County. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Orange County Executive Edward Diana for their steadfast support.”
“This project proves that by improving New York”™s business climate, we are continuing to attract private sector investment and stimulate job growth,” Cuomo said. “I applaud Continental Organics”™ decision to open a facility in New York and I commend them for working to provide our nation”™s veterans with meaningful employment.”

Diana said, “We are proud to be announcing the graduation of Continental Organics to their new home in Orange County. Since opening its doors 21 months ago, the Orange County Business Accelerator has been a huge success and we look forward to more success stories in the future.”
Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner said, “This project demonstrates our efforts to develop a more business-friendly environment that incentivizes innovation and promotes job creation. Just this month, the governor announced his ”˜Farm New York”™ initiative, which is designed to increase distribution of New York farm products ”“ including organic foods like those grown by Continental Organics. The military background of both Michael Finnegan and (Chief Operating Officer) Thomas Endres highlights the company”™s commitment to excellence. Continental is a great addition to the Hudson Valley”™s economy and an example of how businesses are growing in New York.”

Continental Organics utilizes aquaponics to grow fresh, organic produce in a nutrient rich solution, rather than using soil. The farming is housed indoors.