Glynwood: Cultivating a Vibrant Hudson Valley, New York

by Gabrielle Khalife
Part of the Food Policy Community Spotlight Series

Name: Glynwood

What they do: This nonprofit agricultural organization in Cold Spring, New York promotes food and farming in the Hudson Valley and across the United States by farming, training farmers, promoting regional food, and encouraging community partner collaborations.

How they do it: Through their Apprentice Program, Glynwood welcomes five new apprentices to their farm each year to train in sustainable livestock and organic vegetable production, so that they may become the next generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. Through their Hudson Valley Farm Business Incubator, they offer technical assistance, mentoring and advanced practical skills workshops to new farm businesses. Glynwood’s Regional Food Program creates opportunities, such as seed-saving and cultivating and the promotion of on-farm hard cider production, for farmers and food professionals to collaborate on efforts that enhance the region’s agricultural viability and identity. In addition, the Hudson Valley Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Coalition (a network facilitated by Glynwood of more than 60 farms) provides a way for the farming community to come together. Glynwood also works to educate and inspire their community to support local and sustainable food and hosts a variety of public events such as curated farm dinners, tours, workshops, and farm-with-your-farmer days.

Mission: Glynwood’s mission is to ensure that the Hudson Valley is a region defined by food, where farming thrives, residents are nourished and visitors are inspired. They work to advance regenerative agriculture–a holistic approach to food and farming that rejects pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and uses technologies that revitalize the soil and reverse climate change–in order to benefit the natural environment, energize local economies, enhance human health, and strengthen rural communities (Learn more about Regenerative Agriculture).

Latest project/campaign: Glynwood is currently leading discussions designed to increase collaboration among farmer training programs across the region through shared goals and activities that will enhance the training of the next generation of farmers and fill the gaps within our food system.

Major Funding: Glynwood is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Funding comes through philanthropic support, including foundation grants, government grants and individual contributions. A small portion of their income is earned from sales of farm products such as meat, eggs and vegetables, as well as from renting their site for weddings and retreats.

Profit/nonprofit: Nonprofit

Annual Budget: $4.3 million

Interesting fact about how it is working to positively affect the food system: Glynwood operates their home farm using resilient, regenerative farming practices that reflect the highest standards of agroecology, soil health, climate resilience, wildlife-friendly practices and the use of on-farm efficiencies and technology.

FACT SHEET:

Location:

362 Glynwood Road

Cold Spring, NY

Core Programs:

Farm Programs: The farmer training program fosters the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley who are creating viable farm businesses and bringing more land into production.

  1. Apprentice Program: In addition to hands-on experience, including formal training in the safe operation of farm machinery, apprentices complete a comprehensive classroom curriculum geared toward farm management.
  2. Hudson Valley Farm Business Incubator: The Incubator provides a stepping stone for farmers who are ready to build their own agricultural enterprises.
  3. Farming at Glynwood: Vegetables grown on the home farm are USDA Certified Organic, and the farm is Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) for the rearing of grass-fed, pastured livestock.

Regional Food Programs: Glynwood is innovating multi-faceted food-related projects with growers and farmers, producers and chefs in order to shape a culinary identity for the region that will ensure the longevity of ecological, humane and economically viable farming.

  1. Cider Project: Broadens opportunities for apple growers by supporting the production of orchard-based hard cider.
  2. Hudson Valley CSA Coalition: Works collectively to expand membership and investment in Community Supported Agriculture in the region.
  3. Kitchen Cultivars: Facilitates collaboration among farmers and culinary professionals to increase the planting and popularity of delicious crops that are well suited to the region’s ecology and cultures.

Public Programs: Curated dinners, tours, workshops and more encourage a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture and local food systems.

Number of staff: 15

Number of volunteers: 10

Areas served: Counties throughout New York’s Hudson Valley, including Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester.

Year Started: 1993

Director: Kathleen Finlay

Contact Information: info@glynwood.org

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