Smith: “This is where I want to be for the rest of my life …”
HUDSON VALLEY – Fourteen farms in the region have been selected to receive millions in funding to protect and sustain their operations as part of the Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program.
One of those, Sycamore Farms, a 203-acre fruit and vegetable operation
in the Town of Wallkill, will receive $1.8 million for development rights
to keep the farm active.
Kevin Smith is quitting his teaching job to go back to his roots to take over the farm from his parents, Henry and Susan.
“This is where I was born and raised and there is just about everything in this area, this town, this state, that I love,” Smith said on Wednesday. “I don’t know what more you could want from a place when you are 70 miles from Manhattan and 20 minutes from the mountains. This is where I want to be for the rest of my life and if I can farm it for the rest of my life that is my real goal.”
Orange County and the Town of Wallkill assisted in the application process.
Three other farms in Orange County, all in the Town of Warwick, will also receive farm funding. Newport Bloom Farm, a 79-acre grass-fed beef and pasteurized pork operation, will receive $487,100. Property owned by the Peter J. Oprandy Trust, a 175-acre hay operation, will receive $352,525. And Brown Farms, an 83-acre grain and forage crop operation, also in Warwick, will receive $184,325.
Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton said through the efforts of many in Warwick, “we have ensured our farm economy continues to thrive.”
In Columbia County, the Columbia Land Conservancy will receive grants for four farms: The Doyle Farm will receive $2 million; The Farm at Miller’s Crossing owned by Breathe Deep Farm LLP; the Hamm Farm will receive $636,390; and Artemis Farm LLC and Equity Trust Hudson Valley Farm Affordability Fund will receive $78,250.
Dutchess County Land Conservancy will receive funding for four farms:
$1 million for Ronnybrook Dairy; $898,350 for Duncandale Farm; $812,850
for Hackett Holsteins; and $291,350 for Caora Farms.
Westchester Land Trustee will receive over $1.8 million to protect Stuart’s Fruit Farm.
