Supporting Agriculture

Ulster County is bolstering the economic and environmental resilience of our local farms through initiatives like the Farm Viability Grant Program, updates to the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, and an upcoming agriculture revolving loan fund.

Agricultural Services

From produce to cannabis, agriculture is a leading industry in Ulster County.

Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program

$586K in Grants Awarded to 9 Ulster County Farms for First-Ever Ulster County Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program to Support Local Agriculture.

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plans

In 2025, Ulster County finished updating its agricultural and farmland protection plan. The updated plan presents strategies to increase the economic viability of our agricultural industry, encourage farmland protection, and increases public interest in local agriculture.

News & Updates

Ulster County and Chernivtsi Region of Ukraine Share Agriculture Forum

Published on November 18, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and Chair of the Legislature Peter Criswell today hosted a virtual forum with representatives from the Chernivtsi Regional Council of Ukraine, marking the first official exchange between the two regions since signing a historic ‘Sister Community’ agreement in April 2025.

Jen Metzger Announces $586K in Grants Awarded to 9 Ulster County Farms

Published on July 25, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today announced the recipients of the County’s first-ever Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, awarding a total of $586,256 to nine farms across the County to strengthen farm businesses, improve energy efficiency, and build climate resilience.

Ag Plan Adopted

Published on June 30, 2025

The final adopted Ulster County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan is now available.

Ulster County Launches Grant Program to Support Local Farmers

Published on March 19, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announces the launch of a $586,000 Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, with grants that range from $25,000 to $75,000 to support local farmers in maintaining viable and resilient farms now and in the future.

Confirmed ‘Bird Flu’ Affecting Poultry on One Ulster County Farm

Published on January 30, 2025

The Ulster County Department of Health was notified of a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1, or “bird flu,” at a farm that housed approximately 50 chickens and ducks. All but two birds on the farm died as a result of the virus.

Deborah DeWan is County’s First Agricultural Services Administrator

Published on February 20, 2024

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today announced the appointment of Deborah DeWan as the County's Agricultural Services Program Administrator, a new position in the Economic Development Department.

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