Ulster County Awards $586K to Boost Farm Sustainability

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has announced the recipients of the County’s first-ever Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, awarding a total of $586,256 to nine farms.

The goal of the program is to support local farm businesses, enhance energy efficiency, and promote climate resilience.

Funding for the initiative comes from the Agricultural Crisis Relief Program, which was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and approved by the Ulster County Legislature in 2023.

The Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) is administering the grant program, with individual awards ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. These grants are designed to help farmers invest in long-term infrastructure and sustainability.

The initiative aligns with Ulster County’s updated Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, adopted in June 2025, which focuses on farmland preservation, business support, and environmental stewardship.

“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."

Grant recipients include:

Balsam Ridge Farm (Clintondale): Expanding crop diversity with garlic and installing a new irrigation system and weatherproof barn.
Catskill Wagyu at Hilltop Farm (Accord): Modernizing milking operations with energy-efficient upgrades and improved facilities.
Honeybee Sun Farm (Kerhonkson): Addressing erosion by planting chestnut orchard and building a spillway and embankment pond.
Hudson Valley Grown (Milton): Replacing outdated refrigeration to reduce waste and energy use.
Long Season Farm (Kerhonkson): Building a four-season wash/pack facility to enable year-round operations.
Prospect Hill Orchards (Milton): Purchasing a biodiesel truck to improve delivery and reduce emissions.
Sugarshack Mushrooms (Highland): Installing solar panels to fully power the farm with renewable energy.
Treadlight Farm (Accord): Acquiring an electric delivery van to lower carbon emissions.
Westwind Orchard (Accord): Enhancing crop diversity and infrastructure to adapt to climate change.