Two upcoming informational sessions, free and open to the public, are being held so that local farmers may learn more about the competitive state Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) grants. The workshops will discuss the parameters of the state program so farmers can determine whether it might be suitable for their farms and how to apply for funding. The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) is accepting pre-applications for the state farmland protection program through December 31st. Attending the workshop is not a prerequisite to complete the pre-application, but is highly encouraged.
The sessions are being held:
- Monday, December 4th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm – ASA’s office; 2531 State Route 40, Greenwich (across the street from the USDA offices)
- Tuesday, December 5th 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Brunswick Community Center; Keyes Lane (off Hoosick St.), Troy
The state program provides financial compensation to farmers who voluntarily wish to conserve their farms for agricultural use by selling their development rights. Farmers often use the funds to make improvements on the farm, expand or diversify their operation, purchase support land, help transfer the farm to the next generation, reduce debt, or establish a retirement fund.
For the selected pre-applications, ASA, with the endorsement of the Washington and Rensselaer counties Agricultural and Farmland Protection Boards, writes the grants free of charge and submits them to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markers for consideration. The state ranks the proposals on a regional basis.
RSVPs are greatly appreciated. Please register by emailing renee@agstewardship.org or by contacting ASA at (518) 692-7285. Be sure to indicate which workshop you plan to attend. Each session is identical in content. Copies of the pre-application are available on ASA’s website, by emailing renee@agstewardship.org or stopping at ASA’s office at 2531 State Route 40 in Greenwich.
ASA was founded 27 years ago as a non-profit land trust focusing on farmland conservation in Washington and Rensselaer counties. Today, ASA has conserved nearly 18,000 acres on 114 farms. For more information visit www.agstewardship.org.
