Farm to Market Connection, Liberty NY, March 21, 2010FtMFARM TO MARKET CONNECTION: Farmers and producers are invited to attend workshops and B2B networking opportunities at the Farm to Market Connection on Sunday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CVI Building, Liberty, Sullivan County. The Council is hosting the event with CADE; funding and inkind donations were provided by NYC DEP, NY Farm Viability Institute and the Gerry Foundation. For information about registration and the conference, contact Farm to Market Manager Challey Comer; for tabling information, contact Nicole Day at CADE (845) 586-1154.
Watershed Agricultural Council conservation easements keep farmland as working landscapes protecting water quality.landlessCONSERVATION EASEMENTS:
In the June-August 2009 issue of Valley Table, an article by Tracy Frish entitled "Landed Gentry, Landless Farmers" addressed some of the issues facing beginner farmers like the high cost of real estate. The article also hints to the role of conservation easements in assisting new farmers buy land or, at least, lease rich-soiled agricultural parcels in the region. The Council is devising a LandLink website that will connect willing landowners, easement holders and program participants with land-hungry farmers, renters and those looking for mentoring guidance.
 
Watershed farmers looking to lease DEP-owned land can contact Charles Laing, DEP Senior Property Manager, at (845) 340-7218. In 2009, annual rental payments ranged from $5 to $1,000/year; see this DEP fact sheet for more answers.
landownergrantsLANDOWNER GRANTS: NRCS has several programs open to New York landowners.
-- Hoop House/High Tunnels for agricultural producers
foodrallyRALLY: Join American Farmland Trust for a "No Farms, No Food" Rally in Albany on March 15. Governor Paterson's proposed budget reduces the Environmental Protection Fund and Farmland Protection Program by 33% and 53%, respectively. Proposed 2010 funding for Farmers' Markets Grants and New York Farm Viability Institute are potentially eliminated. These drastic cuts are only a small part of the Governor's proposed $130 billion state budget, but they will have big impacts on farmers and our food system.
foodpolicyCITY FOOD POLICY DEPENDS ON CATSKILLS FOODSHED: Food policy report by Manhattan Borough President indicated Catskill regional foodshed vital to NYC's food system.Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer recently released "FoodNYC: A Blueprint for a Sustainable Food System." The report outlines an agenda that will create a more sustainable food system by prioritizing products from New York State and the Catskill watershed/foodshed, increasing access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods, and expanding the food economy in NYC.
PCblogMEMBERS & PARTICIPANTS: Check out the "Babies in the Barn" featured in the Pure Catskills blog on February 3.
Your privacy is important to us; therefore, we will not sell, rent, or give your name or email address to anyone. And, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every WAC eNews.
3/2 Calf Health & Nutrition Short Course at Hamden Town Hall; Kim Holden (607) 865-7090
 
3/4 CIE presents Coyote seminar at SUNY-Sullivan
 
3/10 No-Till Production School at CCE Education Center, Hamden; Judy Morse (607) 865-6531
 
3/13 Selecting a Forester to Increase Timber Harvest Income and Improve Forest Health at Agroforestry Resource Center, Acra
CCE Greene County (518) 622-9820
 
 
3/19 Adult First Aid and CPR at SWCD Office, Walton
CCE Greene County (518) 622-9820
 
3/20 National Ag Day
 
3/21 Farm to Market Connection at CVI Building, Liberty; Challey Comer (607) 865-7090
3/24 Managing for Success
at CCE Education Center, Hamden; Judy Morse (607) 865-6531
 
3/26 NYCHA 8th Annual Gardeners' Conference
 
3/26 Game of Logging at
CCE Greene County (518) 622-9820
 
3/27 Your Septic System: What Every Homeowner Should Know at West Hurley; CWC (845) 586-1400
 
3/31 Managing for Success
at CCE Education Center, Hamden; Judy Morse (607) 865-6531
ofinterestOF INTEREST:
 
Tell us about your farm business, forest operation, clean water practices
and how you've benefited from the WAC programs!
 
NYCWatershed.org
  The Council's web site
BuyPureCatskills.com  The regional "Buy Local" food-based campaign known for "Good Food. Clean Water."
CatskillWoodNet.org  The Pure Catskills brand for wood-based products
Donate Now
  Safeguard irreplaceable resources, rural working landscapes and family farms by supporting the Conservation Easement Stewardship Fund.
The Watershed Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region. The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.