Future of agriculture discussed in Putnam – Mid Hudson News Website
Future of agriculture discussed in Putnam Mid Hudson News Website
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Putnam County’s Agricultural District: A Report on Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
Putnam County, known for its motto ‘Where the Country Begins’, has faced criticism in recent years due to the exclusion of farmers from the county’s Agricultural District. This article aims to provide a report on the situation, with a particular focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Importance of the Agricultural District
Farmers in Putnam County aspire to be part of the Agricultural District, which grants them the ability to bypass local building inspectors who may hinder their operations. However, since 2020, no farms have been added to the district as county legislators believe that many of them disrupt local neighborhoods.
Roundtable Discussion: The Future of Farming in Putnam County
A roundtable discussion titled “The Future of Farming in Putnam County” was recently held in Lake Peekskill. The event brought together around two dozen farmers, stakeholders, and elected officials, with an additional two dozen attendees participating in the forum at the Lake Peekskill Community Center. Representatives from the New York State Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and neighboring Dutchess and Westchester counties also attended, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration in promoting sustainable agricultural growth across county lines.
Promoting Responsible Agricultural Development
The discussion primarily focused on promoting responsible agricultural development while respecting the rights of local homeowners. This aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes the need for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban and rural communities.
Challenges and Lawsuit
One of the challenges facing Putnam County is the admission guidelines for the agriculture district. There is a call to eliminate the county’s soil quality requirement, which prevented five farms from joining in 2024. Ridge Ranch in Patterson has filed a lawsuit against the county, as its denial was based on the farm’s failure to meet Putnam’s soil standards. Lobster Hill Farm in Southeast also faced denial based on soil content.
Neighboring Counties’ Perspectives
Representatives from Westchester County attended the roundtable, and Assistant Planning Commissioner David Kvinge explained that their county does not have a soil requirement for admission to the Westchester Agriculture District. This highlights the need for a unified approach to agricultural development across counties.
Proposed Amendments
Putnam Valley Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi called for amendments to regulations that prevent local town officials from issuing building code violations after farms have applied to be included in the Agricultural District. This aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Conclusion
County Executive Kevin Byrne, who chaired the forum, expressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing with neighboring counties to ensure the thriving of agriculture in the region. This approach aims to balance growth with community values, in line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.3: Agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
- Indicator for SDG 11.3: Inclusive and sustainable urbanization.
- Indicator for SDG 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Indicator for SDG 15.2: Implementation of sustainable forest management.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | Agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Inclusive and sustainable urbanization. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Implementation of sustainable forest management. |
Source: midhudsonnews.com
