As we enter a new growing season, Hudson Valley farms face their most dramatic crisis since the Great Depression. Hit hard by severe weather, a wilted economy, dwindling state funds and global competition, farmers are daunted by circumstances that seem beyond their control.
Erratic weather in 2002 devastated the valley's apple crop. Some growers lost 70 percent or more of their yield at a cost of more than $57 million.
Susceptible to development pressure, farmers increasingly confront the wrenching decision to sell their land for housing lots. A recent American Farmland Trust report found that the United States is losing two acres of farmland to development every minute, the fastest decline in history. From 1996 to 2001, Dutchess County lost nearly half of its apple orchard acreage.
State and federal governments are constrained in their ability to respond. Faced with a $12 billion budget deficit, Gov. George E. Pataki has proposed 30 percent cuts to farmland protection and
agricultural environmental management. |
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HOLDING GROUND
To stem the loss of productive farmland, Scenic Hudson has protected more than 3,100 acres by purchasing development rights in Dutchess and Columbia counties and is now working with Ulster County and the Town of Warwick in Orange County.
We also have advocated for a larger state Environmental Protection Fund, which provides money for farmland protection, pollution prevention and open space. |
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KEEPING FARMS VIABLE
In March the Hudson Valley Agricultural Partnership - of which Scenic Hudson is a founding member - sponsored "Agriculture in the Hudson Valley: Refueling a Powerful Engine," a conference spotlighting priority issues.
The event helped connect diverse stakeholders such as growers, land trusts, economic development officials, government leaders and community activists. |
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Apples photo by James Bleecker
Conference photo by Heather MacNish |
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| The Hudson Valley Agricultural Partnership recently sponsored a conference spotlighting priority issues. |
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Farmland Protection |
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Hudson Valley Agricultural Partnership |
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American Farmland Trust |
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SUPPORT RURAL ECONOMIES IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
Give agriculture a much-needed boost and join the Hudson Valley Agricultural Partnership (HVAP). Ask your state legislators to fully fund the $125 million allocated for the Environmental Protection Fund. Update 6/02: The legislature and governor approved $125 million for the EPF in the state's 2004 budget. Thank your legislator for his or her support. |
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E-mail HVAP clarus123@earthlink.net |
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Visit New York State Senate |
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Visit New York State Assembly |
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VOLUNTEER AND DONATE
Scenic Hudson's future achievements are only possible with the generous support of people like you. To donate, please use our donation form. And as always, we offer volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups. |
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