CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne earlier today convened a "Future of Farming in Putnam County" roundtable at the Lake Peekskill Community Center in Putnam Valley. The event gathered 20 participants, including farmers, municipal stakeholders, and elected officials, with an audience of another approximately 20 community members observing the proceedings. The event was recorded and will be uploaded to the Putnam County YouTube channel for those not in attendance.

The roundtable, hosted during the nationwide Ag Week, featured representatives from the New York State Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and neighboring Dutchess and Westchester counties, who shared best practices and insights on agricultural initiatives within their municipalities. This regional collaboration underscores a collective commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural growth across county lines.

The discussion, while passionate at times, remained positive and productive, focusing on promoting responsible agricultural development while respecting the rights of local homeowners. This initiative aligns with County Executive Byrne's vision, as outlined in his 2025 State of the County address, to support the economic viability of farms and maintain the county's rich agricultural heritage. Byrne used the roundtable discussion to pledge support for a countywide farm plan, including restoring funding which the county legislature had previously cut.

"Putnam County has a proud tradition of farming and land stewardship," said County Executive Byrne. "By collaborating with our neighbors in Dutchess and Westchester counties, and hearing directly from our Agricultural Board, Farm Bureau, and Cornell Cooperative representatives, we can share knowledge and strategies to ensure agriculture continues to thrive in our region, balancing growth with community values."

County Legislator Bill Gouldman, representing most of Putnam Valley, also emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts, stating, "Engaging in open dialogue with our farmers, subject matter experts and neighboring counties is essential for crafting policies that support sustainable agriculture. Today's discussion highlighted our shared commitment to preserving and enhancing farming in Putnam County."

County Legislator Erin Crowley, who has been an outspoken advocate for farmers in the county as the Ag Board’s Legislative Liaison, said, “I think this meeting was extremely valuable for all who participated and observed. I thank the County Executive for putting it together. While I have been fighting for some smart agricultural updates over the past year, I still came away with a lot of new ideas that I plan to bring to the Legislature very soon.”

The roundtable addressed various topics, including sustainable farming practices, land-use policies, and support mechanisms for local farmers such as tax exemptions. Participants shared insights and proposed strategies to bolster the agricultural sector in Putnam County and the surrounding region.

"Engaging directly with our farmers and stakeholders, and learning from our neighboring counties, is crucial for crafting policies that support agriculture," Byrne added. "Today's dialogue is a significant step toward a sustainable and prosperous future for farming in Putnam County and beyond."