Nonprofit To Operate Historic Cropsey, Depew Farms In Clarkstown

CLARKSTOWN, NY — The nonprofit Rockland Community Farm Network will be taking over management of the historic local Cropsey Community Farm and Depew Farm.

Rockland County and Clarkstown officials on Monday announced the organization has been awarded a contract to operate the two farms.

“With Rockland Community Farm Network at the helm, Cropsey and Depew Farms will thrive as educational, agricultural, and environmental resources for our residents, particularly our youth,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The contract award followed a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Officials announced in December they were searching for a new farm operator.

Cropsey Farm spans 24 acres at 220 South Little Tor Rd., and it features a historic barn, greenhouses and cultivated fields. Rockland County, which owns 61 percent, and Clarkstown, which owns 39 percent, acquired it in 2006.

Rockland County in 2024 bought Depew Farm, a 32-acre property at 101 Old Route 304. It has a historic farmhouse and barn, sheds and farmland. Clarkstown plans to purchase a 39 percent share of this property also, officials said.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann described the two farms as a treasured part of the town’s history.

“I'm pleased to have a new managing entity in place to ensure these historical properties remain an important educational and agricultural resource in our town,” he said.

The farm network has appointed Sue Ferreri as executive director, and she will guide farm operations, expand outreach and work to strengthen partnerships.

The organization will be responsible for facilities and grounds maintenance, public programs and events, children’s educational programming, sustainable farming, operating an organic farm stand, and fruit and vegetable membership programming.