PROJECT PROFILE

Chester Agricultural Center
Chester, New York

THE CENTER
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the amount of farmland underutilized or lost to development in the Hudson Valley region. Economic hardships facing established farmers, new farmers, and farmworkers, as well as extreme weather events, are all significant issues. To address these concerns in one important place, members of the economic development, agricultural, environmental, and social justice movements have come together to establish the Chester Agricultural Center (the Center).

THE LAND
The land is comprised of around two dozen parcels of protected black dirt farmland, located within walking distance of downtown Chester, less than 90 minutes drive from New York City. Ninety-three acres of arable land and functional farm infrastructure are currently under contract for purchase. Several adjacent parcels may become available. The land is bordered by the Orange County Heritage trail, the historic village of Chester, and nearby affordable housing.

WE WORK WITH
• Experienced farmers who grow food with organic or biodynamic practices and are dedicated to
stewarding their community as well as their land. The Center will lease 10+ acre parcels with 30 year renewable leases and offer membership in the limited liability company that owns the property.
• Investors who value community development through sustainable farming, cooperation, conservation,
equitable labor practices, and growing good local food.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND PARTNERS
• Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Inc., a private family foundation in Mountainville, NY.
• Orange County Land Trust, whose mission is to “preserve the fields, forests, wetlands, ridge lines, and river corridors in and around Orange County, New York”.
• Blooming Hill Farm, a neighboring 24-acre organic vegetable farm, also on black dirt.

OUR FINANCIAL PLAN
For the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Inc., Northeast Farm Access, LLC is completing a planning process that includes proposing a membership-based social investment structure for farmers, investors, and other stakeholders. This funding mix will most likely include convertible-debt-to-equity investments and promissory notes, perhaps augmented by grant-based income from public and private sources.

THE PROJECT TEAM
• Bob Bernstein—Founder and Managing Director of Northeast Farm Access, LLC, experienced facilitator and convener dedicated to community-based development and conserving farms.
• Jacob Meyer and Randall Carmel—Legal Counsel for Northeast Farm Access, LLC.
• Jon Jaffe—Vice President of Farm Credit East, specializing in farm business viability and analysis.
• Karen Fitzgerald—Landscape Architect with 25 years of experience in farm design and planning.

This project will enhance a fertile landscape and community with the addition of a center dedicated to farms, food, fairness, and farmworkers. This farm-expansion offers secure access to some of the most fertile land in the northeast. It is an opportunity to promote sustainable farming methods while building on the existing partnerships of the region.