| Busy Summer Everything is coming to harvest and RVGA has been busy this season. In June we hosted our 8th Annual Barn Dance and BBQ in conjunction with the Rondout Valley Business Association. Community and collaboration were highlighted as over 250 people picnicked and danced at Mary McNamara’s historic Tralee Barn. In July we organized the 3rd Annual Farm Tour focusing on Food: Simple, Fresh, Local. Participants were able to tour 8 farms and sample a dish made with ingredients from that farm. Recipes were given out (and will be featured in our upcoming cookbook) and the day ended with an intimate concert and Party at Norwegian Wood Farm. RVGA was part of Ulster Corps Arts for Ulster, which successfully brought together many of the non-profit organizations in our area. We exhibited at the Ulster County Fair and will be participating in several community festivals. Thank you to all who attended our events and to the incredible crew of volunteers without whom our work could not be done. The number of people who support local farms and businesses is extraordinary and we are grateful to all. Our Farm to Food Pantry Program is up and running thanks to a grant from Carve for a Cause and administered by FAMILY of Woodstock. Since the 4th of July we have gathered and distributed over 350 bushels of fresh vegetables (and a small amount of fruit) as well as the 1500 pounds of sweet corn that were processed in July at the new Farm to Table CoPackers facility in Kingston. Fabia Wargin, who directs this program, said that “In addition, Davenports also had so much the other day that we called the Foodbank of the Hudson Valley to come pick up more than a ton of corn, melons and cucumbers.” This program directly helps to alleviate hunger in our area. Finally our 7th Annual Orchard Dinner and Wine Tasting will be held once again under the old Oak Tree in the Stone Ridge Orchard on Saturday Sept. 11 from 6-9pm. With the fantastic harvest this year, the menu is more varied and the food and wine will be spectacular as always. Tickets are $75 pre-buy and $85 at the door, members receive a $5 discount. Purchase tickets on our rondoutvalleygrowers.org website or at Davenport Farms and Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits. Farm stands, Farmer’s Markets, U-Pick and CSA’s are in full swing. Take some time to visit them and bring home fresh produce for dinner tonite and for preserving for the winter. Please keep us informed of your events, ideas and opportunities – info@rondoutvalleygrowers.org .
FARM FOR SALE! Have a great opportunity with a very short turn around. Dairy farm with great infrastructure in Swan Lake, white Sulphur Road, Sullivan County - operating since 1896, 167 acres, rented an additional 400. OSI received a grant from NRCS for almost $500,000 as a 50% match for purchase development rights – OSI is willing to provide the other half. They cannot give this money back. They must find a farmer. Please spread the word. For details on the property and price please see contact info below. This is a rare opportunity to keep an historic farm in a critical ag community alive and well. Please help! thanks. Contact:
Jennifer Grossman, Esq.
Vice President for Land Acquisition
Opens Space Institute
1350 Broadway, Suite 201
New York, NY 10018
212-629-3981 x227
www.osiny.org
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