ELIZABETHTOWN — In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Adirondack Council awarded 12 micro-grants totaling $24,500 to local farmers and value-added food/beverage/fiber producers.
The initiative is an effort to support climate-friendly economic activity inside the Adirondack Park.
The Essex Farm Institute, a project of the Adirondack Council, supports local sustainable agriculture by working directly with farms and by advocating for soil health, habitat connectivity and climate change mitigation.
It also helps the Adirondack Council identify farmers and small business owners who want to reduce their environmental impact and adapt to a changing climate.
“It is incredible to think that this program has awarded more than $240,000 to worthy local recipients since it began in 2016,” Raul J. Aguirre, Adirondack Council’s Executive Director said.
“Well-managed farms and climate-friendly businesses make the Adirondack Park a better, more sustainable place to live.”
Among this year’s funded projects include efforts to encourage no-till farming, to control erosion; a pilot project for eliminating oil-based plastics in food vacuum-packaging; tree planting to retain water; solar-powered irrigation and livestock fencing systems; composting facilities and support for organically managed commercial bee hives for apple and grape production, among others.
“Farmers are in it for the long-haul” Dillon Klepetar, Adirondack Council’s Farm Advocate and director of the Essex Farm Institute said.
“Taken together, these projects represent a certain dedication that will leave the landscape and soil in better condition for the next generation.”
According to Klepetar, the proposed projects demonstrate how relatively small financial investments can have an outsized impact on the Park’s natural resources, agricultural lands, and can serve as a model for other rural communities.
This year’s application drew proposals from almost two dozen small and mid-size enterprises as well as several projects focused on local value-added processing of raw agricultural goods.
“The successful micro-grant program has been made possible by the generous support of the Klipper Fund and other forward-thinking donors,” said Aguirre.
“Together, we have accomplished a lot for local farming and a sustainable local economy.”
The Council received applications totaling $43,379.48.
The Essex Farm Institute’s review of grant applications was assisted by an internal committee of three full-time staff.
“It is gratifying to think that the program we helped to begin almost 10 years ago has now awarded nearly a quarter million dollars to sustainable local farming and business,” Courtney Klipper, co-founder of the Klipper Fund said.
“We hope this serves as a lifeline for those who need assistance to make their operations greener and as an inspiration to people living in other special places around the world to create similar support programs. They really make a difference.”
According to Nathaniel Klipper, co-founder of the Klipper Fund, the fund was created to help producers address financial, social and environmental goals of sustainable food systems in a comprehensive way.
“Through this program, farmers can think bigger than their family’s bank account balance when it comes to investing in real progress for the Champlain Valley and the entire Adirondack Park.” he said.
The Micro-Grant program “is an investment that will strengthen the resiliency of local agricultural economies” said Klepetar.
“And that’s not something we can afford to delay.”
The 2024 grantees are:
Farms:
Full and By Farm, Essex County, was awarded $1,500 for a transition to a no-till system.
Reber Rock, Essex, was awarded $2,000 for a pilot switch to plastic-free vacuum packaging.
Wollecru, Westport, was awarded $1,500 to eliminate fossil fuels from natural dye system.
Craigardan, Elizabethtown, was awarded $1,500 to remove dams from previous logging operation.
NC Creamery, Keeseville, was awarded $1,500 to plant 700 trees to capture rainwater.
Meadow Farmstead, Jay, was awarded $1,500 to purchase occulation tarps to reduce tillage.
Crown Pt Farm & Dairy, Crown Point, was awarded $1,500 to capture and utilize rainwater for fields.
Cook Farm, Owls Head, was awarded $1,500 for a solar irrigation system in the farm’s high tunnel.
Meadow & Mtn. Farm, Moriah, was awarded $1,500 for an electric garland maker; cover crop.
Black Kettle Farm, Essex, was awarded $1,500 to manage orchard alleys using draft horses.
Big Dipper Farm, Westport, was awarded $1,500 for a solar fence charger and electric sheep nets.
Diane Sivigny Farm, Ellenburg, was awarded $1,500 for a heated pump house
Small Business:
Blue Line Compost, Saranac Lake, was awarded $1,500 to purchase large, wheeled compost bins.
River Vly Regeneratives, Redford, was awarded $1,500 for a hot water system to clean compost bins.
Miss Bee Haven Apiary, Jay, was awarded $1,500 for apiary installations with organic mite treatment.
Farmer’s Cone Crmry, Essex, was awarded $1,500 for energy efficiency and less water use.
For more information contact John Sheehan, Director of Communications, at 518-441-1340.