Farm-zoning Disputes Grow

Farmers Battle Towns Regarding Control of Land

Linda Borghi on her Farm in Walker Valley

KINGSTON — Ulster County lawmakers this week will turn down three of the 10 farmers who asked to be included in an agricultural district, according to public meeting documents.

Their vote Tuesday night will become the latest chapter in a statewide struggle between farmers who want protection and special exemptions from zoning laws, and towns that are fighting to retain local control.

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Farm-zoning Disputes Grow

Fuel from the Farm

Bio-fuel is made from crops grown by farmers. Even though diesel is in the name, there is no petroleum or fossil fuel in the mix.

Chenango County Farm Bureau held a mini-tour and info session in Norwich. Members from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Binghamton University and others a tour of this farm in Plymouth.

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Fuel from the Farm

New York Potatoes, Onions Running on Schedule

Onions and potatoes are among the two leading vegetables New York grower-shippers ship. Growers normally begin onion harvesting in early September, with the storage deal starting in December and running through May.

Potatoes begin packing in late summer and during the fall. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York is the fourth largest summer storage onion-producing state, behind California, Washington and Oregon.

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New York Potatoes, Onions Running on Schedule

USDA Looks for Success Stories to Market Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Program

WASHINGTON -- A new feature on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food web site will include real-world success stories about marketing locally grown fresh produce, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced July 14.

The Obama administration launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative Sept. 15, 2009, to help connect consumers with the farmers who supply their food and to increase the production, marketing and consumption of locally grown produce.

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USDA Looks for Success Stories to Market Know Your Farmer