Goshen, NY – Standing with Orange County growers and Todd Erling, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development today, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) announced that he has secured $245,643 in federal funds for the Hudson Valley Agricultural Viability Program, an initiative that will create new jobs in the Hudson Valley and attract millions more in private investment. The program will help put the Hudson Valley at the forefront of emerging agriculture industries by sponsoring cutting-edge projects, such as a local biodiesel manufacturing plant. The Agricultural Viability Program has developed a multipronged strategy to foster economic development including a revolving loan fund, gap financing to qualified borrowers, business assistance for agricultural startups and expansions, and networking opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs.

"The Agricultural Viability Program will create jobs and attract new investment to the Hudson Valley," said Congressman Hall. "It will preserve open space while encouraging the development of new environmentally friendly fuels that will help end America's dependence on foreign oil. In return for a modest down payment of public funds, our region can attract millions of dollars in private capital. This is a smart investment in smart growth."

Unlike other forms of development, agriculture increases the tax revenues of local towns and villages without driving up demand for costly educational and municipal services. By limiting future residential development, agriculture prevents local property tax increases related to rising school enrollments.

The funding that Congressman John Hall secured will help the following projects that are part of the Hudson Valley Agricultural Viability Program:

• A farmer owned Vegetable Packing and Processing Facility with a projected private investment of $3.75 million and full-time employment creation of 25.
• A Biodiesel Production Facility with a private investment of $2 million and full time employment creation of 10.
• The creation of a Regional Local Food Distribution System with a private investment of $4.8 million, job retention of 60 full time equivalents, and job creation of 12 full time employees.

Todd Erling, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation said, "The Hudson Valley Agricultural Viability Program can be the catalyst for significant agricultural growth. The Hudson Valley Agricultural Viability Program will be responsive to the needs of agricultural producers within the Hudson Valley by providing necessary, critical support for business technical assistance to enhance the profitability of farms. This will help promote the Hudson Valley as an attractive, viable region for agriculture through a creative program of technical assistance, business development services and the coordination of financial and other resources."

"Together with the economic recovery package, our actions in support of agricultural development will create jobs in the Hudson Valley, help us to hold the line on property taxes and jump-start the local economy," said Congressman Hall.

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