Two Hudson Valley Farms Receive More Than $1 Million in Farmland Preservation Grants
Two Hudson Valley farms have been awarded more than $1 million in state funding to preserve 277 acres of agricultural land in Dutchess and Sullivan counties.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the awards on October 20 as part of nearly $50 million in statewide farmland preservation funding through New York's Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program.
The Dutchess Land Conservancy will receive $428,350 to preserve 123 acres at Conway Farm in Dutchess County, owned by Kieran and Gabrielle Conway. The property operates as a hay farm, with approximately 39% of its acreage classified as productive soils.
The Orange County Land Trust will receive $637,875 to protect 154 acres at Diehl Farm in Sullivan County, owned by Alice V. Diehl. The property supports dairy farming, hay production and maple sap operations. The grant falls under the state's Source Water Protection category.
Statewide, more than $48.5 million has been awarded to 43 farms to protect approximately 16,000 acres of agricultural land. An additional $1 million will support staffing at land trusts involved in farmland preservation, including the Orange County Land Trust.
The funding is intended to protect working farmland from future development, support agricultural operations and preserve open space. The program uses agricultural conservation easements to ensure that protected properties remain available for agricultural purposes over the long term.
The latest awards coincide with the 30th anniversary of New York's Farmland Protection Program, which has helped preserve agricultural land throughout the state while supporting local farming economies and conservation efforts.
Source: Governor Hochul's Statewide Farmland Preservation Announcement
