9 Ulster Co. farms receive funding through first-ever grant program

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Nine farms in Ulster County have been named recipients of the county's first-ever Farm Viability and Sustainability Grant Program to improve farm businesses, energy efficiency and climate resiliency. According to Ulster County officials, a total of $586,256 was awarded amongst the farms.

County Executive Jen Metzger said the program's focus aligns with the county's updated agriculture and farmland protection plan, outlining strategies to preserve farmland, support businesses and promote environmental sustainability.

"Farming is central to Ulster County's economy and long-term food security, and our farmers also play a critical role as stewards of the land," said County Executive Jen Metzger, who chaired the Agriculture Committee when she served in the State Senate. "The purpose of these grants is to help with farm investments that support long-term economic and environmental sustainability, and this funding couldn't come at a better time, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture eliminates billions of dollars in crucial funding for our small farms."  

Ulster County received 37 applications for the grant program. According to the county, the program provides grants from $25,000 to $75,000 to support local farmers in maintaining viable and resilient farms now and in the future.

"This was a very competitive grant application round which is a testament to the level of engagement the county has with its farmers," Todd Erling, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation executive director, said. "The projects proposed really exemplify the type of strategic thinking that the applicants have about how to ensure their businesses viability and sustainability with a focus on improving efficiencies and resiliency."

Farm recipients and projects:

• Balsam Ridge Farm in Clintondale
  • Expanding from apple and Christmas trees into garlic production to extend market reach yearly. Improvements include a weather-tight pole barn and a new irrigation well.
• Catskill Wagyu at Hilltop Farm in Accord
  • Upgrading milking operations to a modern facility. Improvements include building an accessible entryway and installing a tube cooler and milking station to reduce water usage and compressor demand.
• Honeybee Sun Farm in Kerhonkson
  • Establishing a contour chestnut orchard and embankment pond with a spillway to manage flood damage, erosion and water runoff. A compact tractor will help maintain the farm's agroforestry systems, supporting stainable land use and climate adaptability.
• Hudson Valley Grown in Milton
  • Replacing 80-year-old refrigeration system with energy-efficient equipment to reduce spoilage, environmental impact and operational costs. The system will improve temperature control, lower refrigerant usage and strengthen produce preservation.
• Long Season Farm in Kerhonkson
  • Consolidating buildings by building a fully insulated four-season wash and pack facility with mini-splits, coolers and washing equipment. The project also including putting in a new septic system at the farm.
• Prospect Hill Orchards/ Clarke Farm Enterprise LLC. in Milton
  • Purchasing a biodiesel box truck to replace two aging delivery vehicles. This will expand the farms' distribution capacity and support its goals.
• Sugarshack Mushrooms Farms in Highland
  • Installing solar panels on the barn and farmhouse to offset energy demands for climate control and pasteurization systems.
• Treadlight Farm in Accord
  • Acquiring an all-electric cargo van and charging station to expand delivery capacity and eliminate fossil fuel use.
• Westwind Orchard in Accord
  • Investing in crop diversification and infrastructure to adapt to climate changes. Investments include overhead frost-protection sprinklers, cider-cooling systems, and new crop varieties to stabilize operations in extreme weather and a shifting market.

"Ulster County’s program to provide funding to farmers for projects that boost productivity while reducing carbon emissions, protecting soils, and enhancing flood resilience should become a model for New York State and the entire country," said Ulster County Legislator Kathy Nolan, who helped design the program. "The diversity and creativity shown by these projects proposed by farmers in Ulster County speaks to an untapped fund of knowledge and wisdom that is deeply inspiring, and is likely to attract new young farmers as well as form a part of the area’s expanding agrotourism sector."

For more information on the grant program or to apply for future grants, visit the Ulster County's website.