Queens County Farm Museum Plans 1.6-Acre Expansion

FLORAL PARK, QUEENS — The Queens County Farm Museum will soon be able to grow even more food, thanks to a 1.6-acre expansion, city and state officials announced Tuesday.

Spearheaded by City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, who represents a swath of eastern Queens, the expansion will enable the farm to expand its area used for crop production by 30 percent, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The land was part of the farm's original footprint in 1697, according to Queens Farm executive director Jennifer Walden Weprin, but is now owned by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The agency agreed to lease the land to the farm for crop production.

"This expansion supports the farm’s planned growth and will help enable us to broaden our reach so we can serve more people in need of fresh produce in our communities," Weprin said.

Exciting day in #EasternQueens as we announce a 1.6 acre expansion of @queensfarm which I spearheaded. Special thanks to @NYGovCuomo for making this possible, @nyagandmarkets
to farm Director @ArtGalNYC and to all who worked to make this day happen. pic.twitter.com/3cPaL3VjK2
— Barry Grodenchik (@BarryGrodenchik) December 17, 2019

Established in 1697, the Queens County Farm is one of the longest continually-operating farms in the state. The museum is one of the most frequently visited historic houses in the city, according to visitor data from the Historic House Trust of New York City.

The farm spans 47 acres and grows 200 varieties of crops, including garlic, potatoes, winter squash, sweet potatoes and corn. It is also home to 270 farm animals.

About 400,000 people, including 100,000 students, visit the farm each year.