Duncandale Farm now protected

NORTH EAST — In partnership with Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC), Scenic Hudson and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro announced recently that the county has finalized a conservation easement to protect Duncandale Farm.

With 158.2 acres, the Duncandale property has been owned by the Duncan family since the 1700s and is now under the ownership of Donald and Sharon Duncan. 

It focuses on producing hay for beef and dairy cattle replacement. The farm produces about 7,000 square bales of hay on average each year that are sold to a range of horse, goat and sheep farms in the area. 

Located in the Coleman Station Historic District in the town of North East, the farm is registered in large part for its agricultural heritage. A majority of the property can be seen from the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

The Duncans describe life on a farm as “wonderful” and said their family has farmed Duncandale for more than 200 years.

To ensure that the land will remain available and open to farming for future generations, the county contributed $133,200 toward the purchase of the farm’s development rights. Based on a recommendation from the Dutchess County Planning Board, the Dutchess County Legislature approved  funding from the Partnership for Manageable Growth (PMG) Program that was created in March of last year. 

“Farms operating in Dutchess improve quality of life in many ways, from our economy and environment to health and community character, and we are committed to promoting a vibrant future for agriculture,” County Executive Molinaro stated  in a press release. “Duncandale Farm is a prime example of what makes Dutchess County such a special place for all who live and visit here, and this easement will preserve its majesty for generations to come.”

The price for the conservation easement totaled $1,152,823, including a $862,750 contribution by the NYSDAM and a balance of the purchase price provided by Scenic Hudson. On behalf of the property owners, DLC took on the roles of grant applicant and project manager by supplying a portion of the closing costs and significant in-kind services. Additionally, DLC will be responsible for holding and managing the conservation easement.

“County Executive Molinaro and the Dutchess County Legislature have made protecting farmland a priority,” stated County Legislator Gregg Pulver (R-19), “and the preservation of the Duncandale Farm is the latest example of that pledge.”

There are local perks, especially that protected farm land remains on the tax roll. According to the county, studies have indicated that agricultural lands cost communities significantly less to provide services to in comparison to residential lands.

“Keeping viable farmland in agricultural use is critical to the future of the industry and the next generation of farmers in New York,” stated State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball, adding that farmland protection also helps the economy and the sustainability of the food supply.