Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture
Agriculture represents an important economic sector in Columbia and Greene Counties. Farms create direct economic benefits, provide our residents with fresh local foods, support other local businesses across many sectors, and preserve the rural character that our residents and visitors value so highly. Cornell Cooperative Extension supports local agriculture by providing resources for farmers, and consumers, to help strengthen our local and regional food systems.
Natural Resources
Our staff works to engage with the community to solve and respond to key environmental challenges, reduce and make more equitable our collective use of the Earth's resources, and inspire respect for natural systems and our reliance on them.
Last updated June 6, 2024
NY Agricultural Invasive Species
Agricultural weeds cause an estimated 12% crop losses ($33 ± billion/year) nationwide. Approximately $4 billion/year is spent on herbicides to control invasive plants. Learn how to identify these weeds.
Advisory Committee
Matthew Maraglio, Chair
Michael Brown
Christie Elllis
Jonathan Farber
Linda Levitt
Joshua Lipsman
Rebecca Pinder
Paul Spoleti
Health Benefits of Forests
Most of us sense that taking a walk in a forest is good for us. We take a break from the rush of our daily lives. We enjoy the beauty and peace of being in a natural setting. Now, research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that's also free.
Numerous studies in the U.S. and around the world are exploring the health benefits of spending time outside in nature, green spaces, and, specifically, forests. Learn more...
Dutch Colonial Style Welcome Center Features Taste NY Market,
Walk of Fame, Children's Playground and Interactive Tourism Information
Through a contract with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, CCE of Columbia & Greene Counties assumed management of the Taste NY Market at the Capital Region Welcome Center located on the NYS Thruway, New Baltimore, NY. The Taste NY Market showcases locally grown and sourced products from across the Capital Region and the state. Following several months of intense preparation, the Market opened November 13, 2018.
The Capital Region Welcome Center features regionally-specific elements linked to the history and natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, which includes such attractions as the New York State Capitol, the historic Saratoga Race Course, and the Lake George region.
For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov.For additional information on the New Baltimore Market, contact Shaylyn Decker, Market Manager [email protected].
Interested in becoming a vendor? Please complete and submit this Vendor Application along with the required documentation.
