|
The Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) is a project of the Lower Hudson - Long
Island Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. The RFA is a non-partisan group that includes farmers,
nursery growers, horse stable operators, chefs, advocates for local food, educators, elected officials, representatives
of environmental advocacy groups, and anyone interested in sustainable farming in Rockland County.
The Alliance was formed after a series of focus group meetings in 2007
sponsored by USDA's Resource Conservation and Development Program. The meetings were coordinated with the assistance
of several new generation farmers, elected officials, land trusts and businesses interested in production of local
healthy foods and agri-tourism. At these meetings local officials were surprised to learn that there were farms
still operating in Rockland. Everyone agreed that there needed to be a group formed to advocate for local farming
and the following statements were developed:
Vision: "Bringing
Farming Back to Rockland"
Mission: To Preserve,
Create and Enhance sustainable agriculture and
farm culture in Rockland County by supporting farmers through a local
network and information exchange that engages the public about locally
grown food.
Goals:
1) Maintain and enhance farm viability and profitability in Rockland County
2) Promote ethical, ecological and economically sustainable farming practices
3) Develop networks with farms and the food industry (farmers markets, schools, CSA's, and restaurants)
4) Explore and establish methods for the sharing of general information, equipment, and processing capabilities
5) Collaborate with organizations and individuals that have similar goals and objectives
The Purpose of this farm related project is to address change in ways
that conserve local agriculture and natural resources, while strengthening economic well-being. The use of Glynwood
Centers' Keep Farming program will help Rockland County in many ways, but most
importantly, it will help the municipalities gain a deeper understanding of the forces impacting sustainable development.
The Hudson River Valley has been identified by the American Farmland Trust as one of the top ten regions threatened
by Urban Sprawl. With this understanding, Rockland can create a balance between agriculture, conservation and development
that is essential to preserving the vitality and character of the area. This project can be the model for how other
suburbanized communities can identify its agricultural resources and maintain and bring new farming ventures to
their community.
|
