Rockland Farm Alliance Dissolved, New Cropsey Farm Operator Sought

NEW CITY, NY — Big changes are coming to a popular Rockland County attraction, after the organization behind the scenes dissolved.

From the Rockland County Government.

County Executive Ed Day & Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator Kevin McGuinness announce that the county is seeking a new operator for its Cropsey Community Farm following the dissolution of the Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA).

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the RFA’s current and former staff and board members for their tireless work in operating and maintaining the County’s community farm," said County Executive Ed Day. "While we search for a new operator, the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, which manages all County parks, will assume responsibility for the operation and direct oversight of the property and the animals residing on the farm."

The farm was first purchased in 2006 under the County Open Space Acquisition Program. The County remains committed to preserving this nearly 24-acre site as both parkland and a working farm and plans are underway to seek a new operator to develop and manage a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) program.

"Our future vision is committed to continuing to facilitate educational programs and events related to agriculture and the health benefits of nutritious food at this site for residents of all ages," explained Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator Kevin McGuinness.

The County’s Cropsey Community Farm was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2017. The property, around since ca. 1800, includes a historic barn that was restored at the cost of $1.55 million in 2019.

This press release was produced by the Rockland County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.