Speakers urge protections for Colony Farm and farmworker housing during Ulster County farmland plan hearing
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Summary
Three public commenters told the Ulster County Legislature they support the draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan and urged specific additions: designate the former prison farmland (Colony Farm) as an Ulster County Ag Park, pursue dedicated farmworker housing, and strengthen supports for organic farms.
The Ulster County Legislature heard three public comments in a March 18 hearing on its draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan under Article 25‑a of the New York Agriculture and Markets Law. John Adams, a member of the Ulster County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, asked the legislature to add the former prison farmland known as Colony Farm in Wilbur—(transcript: Wilboursing) to the plan as an Ulster County Ag Park, saying a 2018 feasibility study showed potential for agritourism and value‑added production and that such a designation would secure public access and farmer‑led maintenance.
Julia Farr, of the Farmer Housing Working Group, urged adoption of the plan and highlighted labor and housing pressures facing Hudson Valley farms. Farr asked the legislature to adopt the plan’s Supportive Infrastructure Recommendations (Section D), summarize four priorities including: (1) evaluate a pilot farmworker housing site in Ulster County, (2) add farmworker housing to projects eligible for the County’s housing action fund, (3) include farm employment and farmworker housing in the County Housing Action Plan update, and (4) educate municipal leaders about New York State agricultural rules that affect local zoning.
Liana Hoots, representing the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, supported passage of the plan and urged stronger county support for organic practices, citing that New York State ranks high nationally in organic farms and that NOFA‑NY certifies about 1,100 entities statewide. Hoots asked the legislature to correct language in the draft to reflect that NOFA‑NY is a statewide organization and to include more explicit measures that would help soil health and climate resilience.
Clerk Fevella opened the hearing and noted the process is being conducted as required under Article 25‑a of the Agriculture and Markets Law. No formal action was taken during the hearing itself; the comments will be part of the public record as the legislature considers adoption and implementation steps. The chair later asked the clerk to adjourn the hearing after public comment concluded.
The record of the public hearing and the draft plan, including the Supportive Infrastructure Recommendations cited by speakers, are available through the legislative packet and the session QR code provided at the meeting.
