Draft Goal
Promote agriculture and protect farmland recognizing the unique role that agriculture can play both in supporting economic prosperity and in protecting the things that make New Baltimore special.
More than 80% of respondents to the survey say that active farms are important. Farms are certainly part of the rural character of the town and they provide open space and views, which are important to 90% of respondents, and they are part of our history that is important to 85% of respondents. Working to preserve the rural and historic character of the town is an important role for town government according to more than 90% of respondents. Encouraging the continuation of our farming heritage is clearly part of this responsibility. More than 80% of respondents said that protecting working farms and farmlands should be pursued using one or more of the fund sources listed in the question. Fewer than 9% of respondents said no to this regardless of fund source.
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Build an understanding in the community, and particularly with elected and appointed officials, of the importance of farming both to enhance prosperity and to protect the things that make New Baltimore special.
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Actively pursue opportunities provided by major initiatives of the Greene County Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan, especially regarding right to farm laws, marketing, new specialty enterprises, and agricultural economic development such as recreational leasing, Hudson Valley Fresh branding etc.
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Explore with the Thruway Authority opportunities to expand the farmers market at the service area, including having access to the farmers market from route 144 so local residents can patronize it as well.
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Pursue opportunities presented by the State Farmland Protection Program including pursuing possible grants for purchase of development rights to farmland.