Jan 29, 2016
Eight applications being submitted to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets on behalf of the county
January 29, 2016
Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced a partnership that has led to eight applications being submitted to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets for grant funding to expand essential farmland preservation in the county.
If successful, this could add 1,058 acres of protected farmland to the 7,100 acres in Orange County that are already protected. The deadline to apply is today.
“Agriculture is a vital part of Orange County’s economy,” Neuhaus said. “I appreciate the efforts of these property owners and farmers for making this important commitment. It couldn’t have been done without the help of elected officials from a variety of municipalities, who helped advance these important applications, and the Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board.”
Under the Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program, Governor Andrew Cuomo has provided a unique, one-time opportunity to support farmland here in Orange County. With the guidance of Orange County Planning Commissioner David Church, county staff have now assisted eight farm owners in the towns of Crawford, Wallkill, Mount Hope and Warwick and the Orange County Land Trust to submit for this funding. Additionally, through the County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, the County has been able to offer small matching grants (maximum $1,500) to help cover the professional and technical work needed to submit an individual application.
“Orange County has an incredible team of farmers, town officials and staff, agency reps, professionals and county staff who all have come together under a tight schedule to submit a set of high quality applications the County can be proud of,” Church said. “I look forward to hearing that the Towns of Crawford, Mount Hope, Wallkill, and Warwick and the Land Trust are successful in helping these farm families.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.