Cropsey Farm's operator dissolves, leaving Rockland to find replacement

Rockland County is seeking a new group to run the Cropsey Community Farm in New City following the dissolution of the Rockland Farm Alliance, which took over the historic property in 201o.

The announcement from Rockland County Executive Ed Day's office did not state why the nonprofit founded in 2007 by John McDowell and his wife, Alexandra McDowell, had  disbanded. 

A statement from the Farm Alliance's Board of Directors attributed the decision to "financial challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our nonprofit organization."

During the transition, the board "will continue to work closely with the Town of Clarkstown and Rockland County to ensure the ongoing preservation of the land and the continuation of important sustainability initiatives in the region," the board's statement added.

The farm on Little Tor Road closed for the season in late November.

Sue Ferreri, RFA's executive director since 2021, said the organization was dissolved by the Board of Directors due to "irreconcilable differences" with the staff.  She said employees, including herself, had been laid off.

“All of the farm staff including myself are dedicated to the farm, the school programming and all the community events that we’ve been hosting," Ferreri stated. "As we move through this transition we hope to resume our regularly scheduled programming when we are able.”

The farm alliance, a coalition of farmers, community activists and local officials, was formed to advocate for preserving, creating and enhancing sustainable food production in Rockland County.

The McDowells, who had already established a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project at Camp Hill Farm, saw the need for infrastructure and support for the area’s remaining farms.

Through a partnership with Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown, the RFA revived  farm, which the Cropsey family sold to the county and town to ensure its preservation. 

The alliance turned it into an community farm, providing organic produce to members, farmers' markets and local restaurants, as well as hosting a summer camp, education programs, workshops and events focusing on farming, food and sustainability. 

The organic-certified farm served some 250 families through its CSA program, opened a farm store on the premises and donated fresh produce to food pantries, schools, nonprofits and low-income residents.

The farm was purchased in 2006 under the 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 CSA program.

“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,” Day stated in a press release. “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 Cropsey Community Farm was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2017. The circa 1800 property includes a historic barn that was restored at the cost of $1.55 million in 2019.

“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,” stated Rockland's Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator Kevin McGuinness.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.