Press Releases
- $99,000 Grant From USDA
HVADC is proud to announce that it has received a $99,000 grant from the USDA that will permit HVADC to undertake four important projects to promote and expand the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. The USDA funds will be used to support:
1. Crop diversity for Black Dirt vegetable growers in Orange County
2. Development of a statewide feedstock system to support biodiesel manufacturing
3. Feasibility of creating a farmer-controlled Hudson Valley carbon trading system
4. Product development and market expansion of the Hudson Valley Fresh dairy cooperativeThese projects are indicative of the emphasis that HVADC places on regional cooperation and partnerships as a way to expand markets and develop new technologies. This 2008 USDA grant is the second awarded to HVADC – the 2007 grant supported three projects through the Hudson Valley.
- Ground-breaking farm distillery produces fine vodka
A premium vodka doesn’t have to start with potatoes or grain.
Third-generation Hudson Valley apple farmer Derek Grout is using what he’s already growing. His state-of-the-art still produces a top-shelf vodka from his family’s Golden Harvest Farm apples.
Harvest Spirits’ first product is Core, a triple-distilled 80 proof craft vodka that is about to go on sale.
- Hudson Valley AgriBusiness efforts debut in three counties
Farming success in the Hudson Valley requires a multitude of skills. It is no longer sufficient simply to be good at growing crops or raising livestock. Today’s farmers must also be knowledgeable about the local, metropolitan and even global markets. They must be sophisticated about financing, innovative about equipment and technology, and plugged into labor force networks.
These same farmers are a major part of the economic engine driving the local economy. Orange County’s farm economy produces about $110 million a year, which generates an additional $60 million in related economic activity. In Columbia County, farmers pump about $80 million/year directly into the local economy, while in Ulster, the farm economy produces $51 million and an additional $26 million in related activity.
So it is only natural that agencies concerned with economic development see the importance of supporting and nurturing the agriculture sector.
- New Regional Agency To Spur Agri-Business
Hudson Valley agriculture stands at a critical juncture. As development pressures creep up the Valley, more and more farmers are faced with decisions about the value of their land versus the value of staying in farming. Major changes in the agriculture business both create new market opportunities and make greater demands on a weakened agriculture infrastructure. The result: to remain a viable economic activity, agriculture must change or gradually get squeezed out.
If these key issues are not addressed creatively in the next several years, farmers and residents in the Valley may find themselves in the middle of exurban sprawl, rather than beautiful working farmlands.
- HVADC honored for its regional vision
HUDSON—Pattern for Progress has recognized Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp.’s work with its annual Regional Achievement Award.
Pattern’s annual awards recognize leaders in the Hudson Valley whose vision and/or accomplishments have had a long lasting impact on the quality of life in the region, or express the potential to do so.
Pattern for Progress, based in Newburgh and serving nine counties, is a not-for-profit policy, planning advocacy and research organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for Hudson Valley residents.
HVADC won the Regional Achievement category based on its success in gaining support from both Orange and Columbia Counties for an industry-based vision that has quickly expanded to Ulster and Dutchess Counties.
- Columbia County Bounty Hires an Executive Director
Bounty taps Simons as first Exec Director
CHATHAM-Columbia County Bounty has gone the next step in its own growth, hiring its first part-time executive director, Vicki Simons. Bounty creates connections between local farmers and local culinary businesses as well as reaching out to consumers who want to eat food locally grown.
Bounty runs a series of events, from the upcoming May 11th Farm Tour to its popular Taste of Columbia County Bounty dinner August 3rd, a Garden of Eating Tour in mid-September, the Chili Cook-Off & Riverfront Fest October 10th, a Chef Tour in November and its extremely well-attended Speed Networking in January. The events are detailed at www.columbiacountybounty.com and are open to everyone. Bounty membership ($25 per person, $40 per couple) is required.
- New Board Member and Project Manager Welcomed
HVADC welcomes New Board Member Mark Doyle and Project Manager Mary Ann Johnson, AICP
The Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) is pleased to announce additions to the Board of Directors and the staff. Mark Doyle, a farm consultant based in Amenia, has joined the Board bringing expertise in farmland and habitat management, farm development planning and coordination and capacity building for emerging farm business opportunities.
Mary Ann Johnson, AICP has joined the staff has Project Manager for Orange and Ulster Counties. Ms. Johnson primary responsibility is to provide support for the Incubator Without Walls program, which provides comprehensive business assistance including access to qualified professionals, financing and networking.
- Fresh fish fill the tanks at Local Ocean
By Jamie Larson
Published: Friday, November 6, 2009 2:14 AM EST
An old fashioned bucket brigade was put to an interesting use Thursday, as thousands of summer flounder were moved hand over hand, in ten gallon buckets, from the back of a truck into the incubation tanks at the Local Ocean indoor aquaculture fish farm in [...]