Spread the Word
Let your friends, neighbors and elected officials know about the importance of stopping the destruction of productive farmland. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper supporting farmland protection.
Write a letter to your state and local leaders and ask them to increase funding for:
- New York State's Farmland Protection Program, which funds the purchase of development rights (PDR)
- the Agricultural Environmental Management program, which helps farmers protect environmental resources
- the Grow New York program, which funds grants for agricultural research and development, farmland viability and farmers' markets.
Visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for more information on these programs.
For contact information, use our printable list of New York State Officials and local Newspapers.
Fight Sprawl
Attend meetings of your local town or county zoning and planning boards and agricultural and farmland protection boards. Call for your municipality to carefully plan development so that it does not harm farming. In addition, choose to live, work and shop in established cities, towns and suburbs.
Support Hudson Valley Farmers
Buy Hudson Valley grown farm products at farmers' markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own produce operations. Join a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. See Related Links. Encourage local grocers to stock Hudson Valley produce. Support efforts to use locally grown food in schools, restaurants and other institutions. Be friendly toward farmers and understanding of farm practices. Show your children how food is produced - take them to Hudson Valley farm events.
Conserve Your Land
If you own a Hudson Valley farm, protect it from development. A good estate plan, possibly employing a conservation easement, will ensure that your land is available for farming even after you retire. Contact Farmland Protection Project Manager Cari Watkins-Bates, (845) 473-4440, ext. 268.
Support Scenic Hudson
Make a donation to Scenic Hudson to help us further protect farmland and strengthen agriculture. |
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| If we act now, we can safeguard the Hudson Valley's farms, rural landscapes and quality of life. |
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