Columbia County

Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

 All Ancram Listings

 Ancram Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12502, NOFA-NY Certified Organic U-Pick farm, pick-your-own strawberries, Ancram NY, latest picking  conditions, U-Pick Organic Strawberries, Strawberry Picking, Organic Products, Apples (pre-picked organic apples) | Columbia Thompson-Finch Farm "NOFA-NY Pick-Your-Own"

518-329-7578
  Thompson-Finch Farm, a NOFA-NY certified organic U-Pick farm since 1988, offering pick-your-own strawberries is located at 750 Wiltsie Bridge Road, Ancram NY 12502, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Thompson-Finch: "CertifieThompson-Finch farm has been in Marnie's family for five generations. We, Don and Marnie, have been cultivating this land since 1982. We started out by growing a wide variety of vegetables and selling to local restaurants and stores. With our first small field of strawberries, we saw that people yearned to pick their own food and to be connected to the earth and what they eat. As the years passed, our strawberry fields grew to 4.5 acres and our orchard to 1.5 acre; we also added 1 acre of blueberries and one-half acre of raspberries. Our dedicated customers now come from New York and the greater New England region. We are proud of our clean fields and orchards and most importantly you, our most valued and honored customers. You are what keep us going and striving every year to make your visit to our farm a happy and memorable family outing." Thompson-Finch Farm  "NOFA-NY Pick-Your-Own" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Chatham Listings

 Chatham Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12037, Farm, organic U-Pick farm, organic farm, pick-your-own berries, grown pesticide free, organic, Sunflowers, Zinnias, herbs, winter squash, pumpkins, Berry Picking, Pumpkin Picking,  Bring the kids and enjoy pick-your-own berries | Columbia Berry Farm "Pick-Your-Own"

518-392-4609
  The Berry Farm, specializing in natural, organic and local produce and products, is located at 2304 State Route 203, Chatham NY 12037, Columbia County in the Hudson Valley.

From The Berry Farm: "The Berry Farm is a family-owned and operated farm and farm store. Founded in 1982 by Joseph Gilbert, the Berry Farm has been providing Columbia County and the surrounding areas with local, healthy and wholesome food for 31 years. Starting out as a tractor-pulled fruit stand, the Berry Farm has evolved over the years into a fully-functional, year-round vegetable and fruit farm (including greenhouses) and store. All of the vegetables and fruit grown at the Berry Farm are pesticide-free and organic. Specializing in local, all-natural and organic products, the store carries produce and products from over 100 local vendors. Open all year round. Berry Farm  "Pick-Your-Own" | Columbia  website and more . . .

12037, organic, CSA farm, upper-Hudson Valley, quality food, Community Supported Agriculture, CSA, healthy seasonal foods, organically grown vegetables, herbs, CSA membership, CSA Products, Protecting Our Ecosystems Projected Harvests | Columbia Little Seed Gardens "NOFA-NY Organic CSA"

518-392-0063
  Little Seed Gardens, a 97-acre certified organic CSA farm, is located at PO Box 195, Chatham NY 12037, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Little Seed Gardens: "Little Seed Gardens is a 97 acre family run farm in the town of Chatham in Columbia County, situated on rich bottomlands at the confluence of two creeks. Farmers, Claudia Kenny and Willy Denner and their two children, tend vegetables, cover crops and pasture. We are committed to agricultural practices that protect land and human resources, build biological diversity, and produce quality food for our local communities. Our food is grown without synthetic insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers. Little Seed Gardens is certified organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC. As farmers we work to sustain the land for future generations." Little Seed Gardens  "NOFA-NY Organic CSA" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Ghent Listings

 Ghent Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12075, Farm, organic fruit, vegetables, Demeter-certified, biodynamic, CSA farm, CSA program, Hawthorne Valley Farm, farmers, CSA membership, eat seasonally, local farmer, Biodynamic, Organic Products,  Community Supported Agriculture | Columbia Hawthorne Valley Farm "Organic CSA Farm"

518-672-4465
  Hawthorne Valley Farm, a Demeter-certified biodynamic CSA farm, is located at 327 County Road 21C, Ghent, NY 12075, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Hawthorne Valley Farm: "Since 1972, we have been producing high quality, Biodynamic and organic foods while providing farm-based learning experiences for children and adults. Our 400-acre Biodynamic farm includes dairy cows, vegetables, a creamery, organic bakery, sauerkraut cellar, and more. Our Farm Store is a full-line natural foods store open 7 days a week. Hawthorne Valley Farm  "Organic CSA Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Hillsdale Listings

 Hillsdale Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

Markristo Farm "Organic Market Garden"

518-325-4261
 
 All Hollowville Listings

 Hollowville Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12530, family farm, Hollowville, NY, Columbia County, vegetables in season, wooden decoratives, Holiday items, Santa Claus figures, Christmas items, honey, pure and local, crafts, local artisans, Gift Shop, Vegetable Stand, Wool and Yarn | Columbia Scarecrow Farm "Birds & Bees"

518-851-9898
  Scarecrow Farm is a multigenerational family farm located at 29 Old Barrington Road, PO Box 22, Hollowville, NY 12530 in Columbia County.

A feature of our shop is the unique wooden decoratives designed, hand cut, and then handpainted by Farmers Victor and Ruth. Holiday items include Santa Claus figures, farm animals and scarecrows, Thanksgiving turkeys, as well as designs for every holiday. Scarecrow Farm  "Birds & Bees" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Hudson Listings

 Hudson Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12513, Demeter certified, biodynamic farm, Certified Organic, CSA shares, upper-Hudson Valley, CSA, farmers markets, CSA members, CSA farms, family sized shares, Organic CSA, Demeter USA, certifier, Biodynamic agriculture | Columbia Farm at Miller's Crossing "Organic CSA Farm"

518-851-2331
  The Farm at Miller's Crossing is a diversified Demeter-certified biodynamic farm offering Certified Organic produce and CSA shares. Miller's Crossing is located at 81 Roxbury Road, Hudson, NY 12513, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Miller's Crossing: "The Farm at Miller's Crossing is a beautiful 200-acre farm situated in the Hudson Valley of New York. The Agawamuck Creek divides the farm providing water for the animals and plants that are raised there. The old Albany-Boston Rail bed remains on the northwestern end of the property, providing the name Miller's Crossing, which was the stop and original address of this 200 year old farm. Farm at Miller's Crossing  "Organic CSA Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Kinderhook Listings

 Kinderhook Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

Katchkie Farm "Organic CSA Farm"

 
 All Lebanon Springs Listings

 Lebanon Springs Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12125, sustainably grown vegetables, flowers, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Farmers Markets,  Lebanon Springs, NY 12125, Columbia County, culinary herbs and flowers for CSA, Farmers Markets, and restaurants, grown organically | Columbia New Leaf Farm "Sustainable and Organic"

518-794-0084
  New Leaf Farm, offering sustainably grown vegetables, flowers, and herbs for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Farmers Markets and wholesale, is located at 15 Crystal Springs Drive, Lebanon Springs, NY 12125 in Columbia County.

From New Leaf Farm: "In December 2014 Ellen Poggi and Mike Libsch purchased a new piece of farmland off of Main Street in Lebanon Springs. After years of apprenticing and running farms on leased land, we now have a permanent home for our farm.

At New Leaf farm we seek to grow healthy, hearty veggies year round while nourishing our family, our community, and the land. We grow 40 kinds of vegetables as well as culinary herbs and flowers for CSA, Farmers Markets, and restaurants. All our crops are grown organically, without the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical sprays." New Leaf Farm  "Sustainable and Organic" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Philmont Listings

 Philmont Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

High Falls Gardens "Medicinal Plants"

518-672-7365
 
 All Stuyvesant Listings

 Stuyvesant Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

12173, Farm, Certified Naturally Grown, Stuyvesant, NY, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley, farmer’s markets and wholesale | Columbia Blue Star Farm "Certified Naturally Grown"

518-610-8034
  Blue Star Farm, a Certified Naturally Grown farm, is located at 545 County Route 26A, Stuyvesant, NY 12173, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Blue Star Farm: "We grow over 130 different varieties of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Our first season was 2010. We farm in Stuyvesant and on rented land in Kinderhook, NY. Currently we sell at farmer’s markets and wholesale. Blue Star Farm  "Certified Naturally Grown" | Columbia  website and more . . .

Monkshood Nursery "Organic Farm"

518-758-7958
 

12173, Farm, certified organic, CSA farm, NOFA-NY Certified Organic farm, CSA program, local farmer's markets, wholesale outlets, Organic CSA Products, Vegetables, Optional Egg Share, Optional Winter CSA Share | Columbia Red Oak Farm "NOFA-NY Organic CSA"

518-799-2052
  Red Oak Farm, a certified organic CSA farm is located at 1921 Route 9 Stuyvesant, NY 12173, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Red Oak Farm: "Simultaneously, Taylor and Courtney Tribble, and Paul Colatrella and Amy Brown were looking to start a farm. Paul and Amy, professionals in NYC with a weekend property in upstate NY, had some good agricultural land and a remodeled barn but lacked the time and know-how to turn their dreams of a farm into reality. Thus, they began their search for folks to work the land and act as caretakers for the property. At the same time, Taylor and Courtney Tribble, experienced farmers who lacked the capital to buy land and equipment, were looking for an opportunity to start a farm of their own. As is often the case today, a new farming model was what was required and The Farm and the two families have grown together. Red Oak Farm  "NOFA-NY Organic CSA" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Valatie Listings

 Valatie Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge

Tierra Farm "Organic Nuts & Dried Fruit"

518-392-8300
 

 More Hudson Valley  Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Albany Albany County
      [5 listings over 4 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [10 listings over 9 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Greene Greene County
      [4 listings over 3 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Orange Orange County
      [6 listings over 4 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Putnam Putnam County
      [1 listing over 1 location]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Rensselaer Rensselaer County
      [5 listings over 4 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Rockland Rockland County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Ulster Ulster County
      [11 listings over 8 locations]


Organic Farms | Farmers Pledge | Westchester Westchester County
      [19 listings over 16 locations]



Organic Farms
Apples, Fruits, Vegetables
Organic U-Pick & Pick-Your-Own
Columbia County in the Hudson Valley

Find the best Farmers' Markets and organic farms in Columbia County. Visit U-Pick farms, also known as pick-your-own farms in Columbia, NY and the wider Hudson Valley. There are many local farms and Farmers' Markets offering the best organic apples, berries, fruits, and vegetables; and they need your support!

A farm is an area of land, often referred to as an acre or hectare (1 hectare = 2.47105 acres) devoted almost exclusively to the practice of growing crops, rearing animals, and dealing with agriculture. Farms vary greatly in the amount of land that is used for farming. When a farm produces products such as apples or grapes, a farm may be called an orchard or vineyard.

As defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Organically grown food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food . . . "Organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards."

In other words, "Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved."

    National Standards on Organic Agricultural Production and Handling
    "The National Standards on Organic Agricultural Production and Handling (NOP rule) was issued on December 21, 2000, by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. The standards in the NOP rule are similar to most of the standards organic producers and handlers currently use, and are intended to be flexible enough to accommodate the wide range of operations and products grown and raised in every region of the United States. The Organic Foods Production Act and the NOP rule require that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling operations certified by a state or private agency that has been accredited by USDA." The Organic Foods Production Act does not address food safety or nutrition.

    "Food labels must be in compliance by early 2001.

    "The NOP rule prohibits the use of genetic engineering (included in the list of excluded methods), ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge. The rule includes the following:

    • Production and handling requirements, which address organic crop production, wild crop harvesting, organic livestock management, and processing and handling of organic agricultural products
    • The National List of Allowed Synthetic and Prohibited Non-Synthetic Substances (7 CFR 205.600-205.606)
    • Labeling requirements for organic products
    • Compliance, testing, fee, and state program approval requirements
    • Certification and recordkeeping requirements
    • Accreditation requirements for receiving and maintaining accreditation, as well as requirements for foreign accreditation
    • Other administrative functions of the National Organic Program, which include evaluation of foreign organic certification programs"


    Source: Environmental Protection Agency.

While some farms are completely organic, others use synthetic components to assist with the growth of crops and livestock.

Many farms practice organic and/or sustainable farming in Columbia County and the wider Hudson River Valley, where you can buy fresh and healthy local produce. For fun things to do with the kids, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables at one of many U-Pick farms listed below.

Local farms offer fresh and healthful produce; while organic farms also contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment. Enjoy selections of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm fresh products. Buy produce at one of the Hudson Valley markets, or pick-your-own fruit and vegetables at an organic farm in the Hudson Valley.

Visit one or more farms in Columbia County. You'll find farms in Ancram, New York, Chatham, Claverack, Hudson, and Kinderhook, New York.

Farms in Columbia County sell a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including delicious New York apples, berries, pumpkins and U-Pick produce. In addition to pick-your-own fruits, many local farms have acres of delicious vegetables available for you to pick; or you can buy picked produce at the farms market stand or market store.

Many farm markets offer a wide range of fresh jars of honey, jams and chutney. Many pick-your-own apples, offer fresh apple cider or a hot cup of coffee to go with the delicious freshly made donuts . . . yum. You can also find local crafts, cheeses, soups, and other specialty items that are charming and made locally.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is available at some farms in Columbia County. Community Supported Agriculture is when people agree to purchase a share of the anticipated crop at a farm. If the farm is organic, the farmer agrees to supply the members with a fresh assortment of high quality certified organic produce. The shareholders commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer both the bounty from the land and some of the risks of its production.

    Why Buy Organic?
    Organic products meet stringent standards. Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

    Organic food tastes great.
    It’s common sense. Well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

    Organic production reduces health risks.
    Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

    Organic farms respect our water resources.
    The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

    Organic farmers build healthy soil.
    Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.

    Organic farmers work in harmony with nature.
    Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

    Organic producers are leaders in innovative research.
    Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.

    Organic producers strive to preserve diversity.
    The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

    Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy.
    USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

    Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike.
    Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

    Source: Organic Trade Association.

Select one or more farms to visit at local farms in Columbia County and go apple, berry, or pumpkin picking in Columbia County. Farmer's markets and pick-your-own farms are available throughout the county of Columbia in the upper-Hudson Valley. Find farm markets for all seasons offering many wonderful items including homegrown seasonal fruits & produce such as apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, pears, plums, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes & corn. Some farms are open through late December selling Christmas trees and other seasonal items.

Many children enjoy going to a local pick-your-own farm where the kids can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, blueberries, apples, and pumpkins for Halloween. Many pick-your-own farms offer additional outdoor activities for the kids including:

    Apple, Berry, Pumpkin Picking
    Corn Maze - free for all ages
    Farm animals to pet and feed
    Hayrides
    Picnic Tables
    Pick winter squash / pumpkins

Visit organic farms in Columbia County. Some farms offer healthy organic produce with more farms working toward becoming organic or getting a Farmers Pledge certification. Organic farms offer healthy produce including fruits, vegetables, organic meats, poultry, eggs, and more.

Several pick-your-own farms have beautiful views of the hills and mountains of Columbia County, offering kids a wonderful time outdoors "picking their own food". Pick-you-own farms are great fun for children and kids of all ages.

    The "buy local" movement is quickly taking us beyond the promise of environmental responsibility that the organic movement delivered, and awakening us to the importance of community, variety, humane treatment of farm animals, and social and environmental responsibility in regard to our food economy.

    Farmers' Markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing by small farmers. From the traditional "Mercados" in the Peruvian Andes to the unique street markets in Asia, growers all over the world gather weekly to sell their produce directly to the public. In the last decade they have become a favorite marketing method for many farmers throughout the United States, and a weekly ritual for many shoppers.

    In a Farmers' Market, farmers sell their products once or twice a week at a designated public place like a park or parking lot. Some Farmers' Markets have live entertainment. Shopping at a Farmers Market is a great way to meet local farmers and get fresh, flavorful produce. Many farms have set-up farm markets on their own farm. In addition to fresh picked fruits and vegetables, Farmers’ Markets often sell crafts and other locally made products.

    Farmers' Markets provide a means for local producers of agricultural products to sell those products directly to the consumer. Many communities throughout New York State view Farmers Markets as a positive avenue for supporting local agriculture, providing a source of fresh fruits and vegetables to the residents of their community, and as a means of drawing people into their community aiding in the economic redevelopment of an area.

The Farmers’ Market Federation of New York is a statewide not-for-profit organization designed to both promote and provide support services for the Farmers' Markets within New York State. The Federation was formed through the collective efforts of market managers throughout the state, Cooperative Extension, and the Department of Agriculture & Markets, and was initially funded by a Federal State Marketing Improvement Grant in early 1998.

Large-scale chemical agriculture continues to poison our soil and our water, and weaken our communities. Buying directly from a family farm can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By purchasing organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and for your family.

Organic and Local Food
The freshest, healthiest, most flavorful organic food is food that is grown locally. Organically grown food is free from exposure to harmful chemicals; but that is only one part of the importance of organic products. A larger part of Organic Agriculture involves the health of the soil and of the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised. Organic Agriculture is born from the idea that a healthy environment significantly benefits crops and the health of those consuming them. In addition, organic practices are also viable in the long term, since they are efficient in their use of resources. Unlike large scale "chemical agriculture", Organic Agriculture does not damage the environment and our local community.

Visit your local Farmers' Market and experience the colorful abundance of nutritious, high quality locally grown foods, the aroma of fresh produce and the friendly banter of farmers and customers, neighbors and families. A visit to a Farmers' Market is an adventure, and among the fun things to do in your own community. Bring the children. Children love visiting their local farmer's market where they can meet the farmers, ask questions, and learn about the food. Farmers' Markets also provide a lesson in supporting your own community and the environment.

Both economic and health factors have resulted in the growth of Farmers' Markets across the country. Not only is a completely new generation of farmers seeking retail outlets that increase their profitability and viability thus preserving agriculture for themselves and future generations, but also, consumers are discovering that Farmers' Markets are a fun, reasonably priced, alternative to supermarkets. At Farmers' Markets they have direct access to fresh, healthy local foods and to the farmers who produce the foods. The experience inevitably includes developing relationships and friendships with the farmers and gaining an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Use the Local Harvest website on the Farmers' Markets & Local Farms page to find Farmers' Markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy organic produce, grass-fed meats, and many other delicious and healthy foods.




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