Governor David Paterson announced that the Town of Hoosick’s grant for the purchase of development rights for the Carleton Philpott farm on Petersburgh Junction Road has been approved. The 155 acre Philpott Farm is a second generation farm which was a family dairy operation until 1998 when Carleton decided to transition to hay production as the primary farm commodity.
The Philpott Farm has more than 72 percent of its soils being prime, or of statewide importance, and is a key parcel in a fertile block of farmland currently being protected through the NYS Farmland Protection Program, Vermont Land Trust and a private foundation in collaboration with the Agricultural Stewardship Association. With the protection of the Philpott land, the farmland block will comprise nearly 1,500 acres along the Hoosick River and cross state boundaries. Town Councilperson Mark Cottrell who chairs Hoosick’s Farmland Protection Committee noted that the contiguous blocks of farmland strengthen the long term agricultural viability of the area as well as each of the individual farms.
Carleton Philpott said that he has lived on the farm since he was six years old, and along with his family, he cares deeply about keeping their land in agriculture. “The preservation of our farm will continue the long-agricultural tradition of farming in Hoosick.”
Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas applauded Carleton and Corinne for their commitment to ensure the land remains available for farming and for their excellent stewardship of the land and for their active roles in the agricultural community. Douglas noted, “Hoosick is proud of its farming heritage and farming community, and the Town will continue its efforts to protect viable farmland.”
The grant was prepared by the Town of Hoosick in collaboration with the Agricultural Stewardship Association if Greenwich, New York.
