Working Farms

Since 1992, Scenic Hudson has protected nearly 8,000 acres of farmland in 10 communities throughout Columbia, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties.

Scenic Hudson's farmland protection efforts are protecting Hudson Valley agriculture for future generations  photo: James Bleecker

Hudson Valley Farms Provide Many Important Benefits

Our farms supply us with fresh, wholesome produce that doesn’t have to be trucked or flown into the region from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Our farms maintain our scenic working landscapes, rural heritage and quality of life, all of which drive a multibillion dollar tourism industry and help fuel smart economic growth. Our farms guard our wildlife habitat and environmentally sensitive areas such as meadows, woodlands, wetlands and streams.

Protecting Farms and Farming

Scenic Hudson’s unique “critical mass” approach to farmland protection does more than protect landscapes. By focusing our efforts on carefully defined regional farm “corridors,” Scenic Hudson works to make sure that small-scale farming remains economically viable for the farmers. By working with partners to conserve a cluster of farms in a community or region, we also support the larger agricultural community. Vital farm support services -- feed stores, tractor dealers, large animal veterinarians, etc. -- remain economically viable as well.

Two Decades of Farmland Protection

See this timeline for a detailed rundown of Scenic Hudson's longstanding efforts to keep the Hudson Valley's working landscapes working.

Conserve Your Land

If you own a Hudson Valley farm, protect it from development. A good estate plan, possibly employing a conservation easement, will ensure that your land is available for farming even after you retire. Contact Farmland Protection Project Manager Cari Watkins-Bates, (845) 473-4440, ext. 268.