WALTON, NY - Flood relief funding is currently available for Catskill region farmers through the Raise the Roof Farmer Flood Relief Fund.  Hundreds of community members and a dozen local organizations have contributed over $30,000 since September.  Small grants are available to farms that suffered flood damage or product loss during Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee.  A first round of $15,000 in funding was disperse in early December. A second round of funding is open through January 15, 2012.  Applications can be downloaded from the Scholarships & Grants section of the Pure Catskills webpage online at www.purecatskills.com or by contacting Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or (607) 865-7090.

"Every dollar gathered at the fundraiser will be distributed to farm businesses in need," noted Challey Comer, Farm to market manager for the Watershed Agricultural Council. "We're thrilled to see such a diverse donor base coming together to help our regional farming community." A diverse review panel of local farmers will oversee the distribution of need-based funding awards." The Raise the Roof Farmer Flood Relief Fund is managed by a committee of local farmers and community members with administrative support from the Council.  Distribution of funding is the decision of the fund committee.  Donations toward the fund will be accepted through December 31, 2011.  One-hundred percent of donations collected are awarded through the Fund.  People wishing to donate can mail a tax-deductible check, made out to the 'Watershed Agricultural Council,' to WAC, 44 West Street, Walton, NY 13856. 

Contact Morgan George of Sherman Hill Farmstead at (607) 829-6886 or Target409@Hotmail.comGeneral with general inquiries about the fundraising effort and selection criteria.       

The purpose of WAC is to protect both the rural, land-based economy of the watershed region and the drinking water quality of over nine million people. Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, WAC seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship. It also champions the use of conservation easements as an option to keep land within a working landscape context. The Council works through partnerships with other nonprofits organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose.

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