Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced the recipients of the County’s inaugural Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, totalling $586,256 in grant funding to nine farms across Ulster County. The grants, each ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, are to support local farmers in building and maintaining resilient farms into the future.
“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 to the grant program. Grants can be used for farm viability efforts, including investments in services, equipment, and production costs like energy-efficient upgrades and irrigation systems.
Deborah DeWan, Agriculture Services Administrator of the Ulster County Department of Economic Development, said it’s gratifying to see the breadth and innovation in the projects selected that will have “a great impact on their farms and on agriculture throughout the county for years to come.”
“These projects are very inspiring and demonstrate the diversity of farms in Ulster County — livestock, vegetable, fruit, smaller, newer, larger and multigeneration, employing many practices,” said DeWan.
Ulster County Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Recipients and Projects:
- Balsam Ridge Farm in Clintondale: Expanding from apples and Christmas trees into garlic production to diversify crops and extend market reach year-round. Infrastructure improvements include a weather-tight pole barn for storage and production space and a new irrigation well to support consistent yields and resiliency through changing climate conditions.
- Catskill Wagyu at Hilltop Farm in Accord: Upgrading milking operations to a modern, energy-efficient facility with installations such as a tube cooler, milking station, and clean room renovation. These improvements will reduce water usage and compressor demand while optimizing milk handling efficiency. Funds also support the construction of a more accessible and energy-conscious entryway.
- Honeybee Sun Farm in Kerhonkson: Responding to flood-related damage and erosion by establishing a contour chestnut orchard and an embankment pond with a spillway to manage surface runoff. A compact tractor will aid in maintaining the farm’s agroforestry systems, supporting sustainable land use and climate adaptability.
- Hudson Valley Grown in Milton: Replacing an 80-year-old refrigeration system with energy-efficient equipment to reduce spoilage, environmental impact, and operating costs. The upgraded system improves temperature control, lowers refrigerant usage, and strengthens produce preservation — boosting both viability and sustainability.
- Long Season Farm in Kerhonkson: Consolidating infrastructure by constructing a fully insulated, energy-efficient four-season wash/pack facility equipped with mini-splits, coolers, and wash equipment. The project also supports a new septic system, enabling reliable year-round operations and long-term viability.
- Prospect Hill Orchards / Clarke Farm Enterprise LLC in Milton: Purchasing a biodiesel-powered box truck to replace two aging delivery vehicles, reducing fuel costs and emissions. This upgrade addresses transportation limitations, expands distribution capacity, and supports both economic and environmental goals.
- Sugarshack Mushrooms Farm in Highland: Installing solar panels on the barn and farmhouse to offset energy demands for climate control and pasteurization systems. Beginning in fall 2025, the system will generate over 22,000 kWh annually — making the semi-indoor mushroom farm fully solar powered, with surplus capacity to support future growth.
- Treadlight Farm in Accord: Acquiring an all-electric cargo van and charging station to expand delivery capacity and eliminate fossil fuel use from transport operations. The investment furthers sustainability goals, enables broader customer outreach, and reduces the farm’s carbon footprint.
- Westwind Orchard in Accord: Investing in strategic infrastructure and crop diversification to adapt to climate variability. Grant funds will support overhead frost-protection sprinklers, cider-cooling systems to extend product shelf life, and new crop varieties that help stabilize operations amid extreme weather and shifting market conditions.
You can find more information about the program on the Ulster County government website.
Image: Farmstand for Long Season Farm in Kerhonkson, N.Y., one of the Farm Viability & Sustainability grant recipients (Photo Credit: Long Season Farm)