Help
Protect Local Farms
CLC
is working with local farm families to protect prime agricultural lands. Your contribution can help secure
their future.
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Photo:
Uli Rose for
Stockland Martel |
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We've spent almost half a century
caring for our farm, and its important to us that the
property continue to be farmed," remarked Larry
Benson of Shaker View Farm, New Lebanon. |
Shaker View Farm in New
Lebanon received a farmland protection grant through the New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets for the purchase of
their development rights (PDR).
Our
job now is to work with the farmer owners to draft conservation
easements that will protect the farm's agricultural resources
and work with the community to raise the 25% local matching funds
required by the state grants.
Shaker
View Farm, New Lebanon
Larry
and Barbara Benson, the owners of Shaker View Farm, have been
working their land since 1965.
Through their excellent management of their Jersey
cows, the Benson’s farm was recognized as a dairy of
distinction. Now
looking at retirement options, the Benson’s want to make
sure they have made provisions that will help keep their land
open and available for farming in the future.
CLC
worked with the Bensons to prepare the application to the
state, which requires both town and county endorsements.
The $513,000 grant will cover 75% of the appraised
value of the non-farm development rights on the property.
Click here to download a project
overview
and
fact sheet.
Every
year, the Conservancy is approached by farmers throughout the
county interested in learning more about the purchase of
development rights and other programs that can help them keep
their operations viable. CLC
offers its services free of charge.
Our efforts have helped secure over six million
dollars, and enabled the protection of 5,300 acres of viable
farmland in the county.
Help
raise the required 25% local match.
Your gift can help ensure that the farm will be protected
and available for a future generation of farmers. Send
your contributions to CLC at P.O. Box 299, Chatham, NY 12037,
and be sure to designate Shaker View Farm so your gift is
directed appropriately.
All donations towards the Shaker View PDR project are fully
tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
To
donate online: Simply click on the button to the right
and designate "Shaker View Farm" on the drop
down menu on form.
For
more information on how you can help support local
agriculture, contact CLC at (518) 392-5252.
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