WALTON - Collaborative negotiations are ongoing between Delaware County farmers, agricultural agencies and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for farmer use of city-owned land. At the heart of negotiations is the renewal of five-year agricultural land use contracts within the NYC watershed — a crucial component for both environmental protection and the viability of local farms.
Barbara Hanselman, owner of Del-Rose Farm in Bloomville, a 140-head Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy farm with approximately 60 milking cows who is also the president of the Delaware County Farm Bureau, sits at the table as a fierce advocate for farmers, aiming to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.
She was there, Hanselman said, to represent “those who work the land.”
She and her family also work the land, cropping 550 acres with an additional 250 acres used for pasture.
As a farmer herself, Hanselman understands the frustration felt by her peers over the protracted contract approval process and the stringent requirements for reporting pesticide, herbicide, and manure application schedules. These elements, while crucial for environmental oversight, pose significant challenges given the unpredictable nature of farming.
“It’s challenging because in our region, planting and spraying dates can vary widely from year to year,” Hanselman explained. “You might plant on May 5th one year and May 20th the next.” Those variations, she said, make it hard to stick to an exact schedule that DEP was requiring.
The uncertainty is compounded by requirements that often exceed those set by the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC). WAC, of which Hanselman is also a board member, works to implement best management practices that protect water quality while supporting viable agricultural operations. However, the additional demands from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have created tension.
“Some of the things being asked were over and above what is required from our watershed planners,” she explains. “It felt overwhelming.”
The current contracts require farmers to provide detailed plans for spraying and manure spreading well in advance, a demand complicated by the changeable nature of weather and other variables.
Hanselman also pointed out a broader concern: the increasing complexity of the application process.
“These contracts are multi-step,” she said. “They require proof of workman’s compensation, insurance, and detailed plans. Any missing information delays the process, sometimes significantly.”
The slow pace of approvals can be detrimental, potentially leaving farmers without access to critical land during the growing season.
“For some farms, this is huge. Missing a season can be devastating,” she said.
DEP’s requirements are not without merit, she acknowledges. They aim to ensure that agricultural practices do not compromise water quality in the watershed, a critical source of drinking water for New York City. However, Hanselman emphasized the importance of clear communication and understanding.
“There’s been progress,” she acknowledges. “The DEP has faced challenges too, like short staffing and the impact of COVID, but these quarterly conversations have been invaluable. We’re all at the table, working to understand the changes and the reasons behind them.”
One of the sticking points has been the varying standards applied to land use, especially concerning setbacks for manure spreading and the use of pesticides. Hanselman and other farmers argue for consistency, pointing out that if Best Management Practices (BMPs) are effective in one part of the state, they should be applicable elsewhere.
“There were concerns that the stringent rules might limit land availability, challenging farm viability,” she says. “But I don’t think it’s about trying to make land unavailable; it’s bureaucracy at work.”
Despite the challenges, Hanselman remains optimistic. Recent discussions have clarified many issues, and there’s a sense of shared purpose in ensuring that agricultural and environmental needs are balanced.
“We’ve had such great progress, and our time has been worthwhile,” she said.
As negotiations continue, the dialogue between the DEP and local farmers represents a crucial intersection of environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability. The issues are not just bureaucratic. It has real implications for the viability of local farms, which also helps fuel Delaware County’s economy, Hanselman said.
With advocates like Hanselman at the helm, there’s hope for a path forward that respects both the land and the people who depend on it.
Wayland “Bud” Gladstone, chairperson of the Watershed Agricultural Council and a seasoned beef cattle farmer, understands the challenges and opportunities presented by the land use contracts. As a farmer who relies on both owned and other land, Gladstone brings a grounded perspective to the discussions, advocating for practical and fair terms.
The transition from leases to licenses or contracts for land purchased by New York City has created confusion among some farmers, particularly regarding new restrictions and the requirement to submit detailed plans for grazing and crop cultivation.
“If you’re grazing, you need a grazing plan in place. They want to know what crops you’re growing and what chemicals you’re using. Initially, there was an unrealistic expectation to specify exact times for these activities, but thankfully, they’ve backed off that,” Gladstone said.
He acknowledges the necessity of certain regulations, like setback requirements and nutrient management plans, which ensure environmental protection. However, he is also well-versed in the unpredictability of farming, where weather conditions can drastically alter plans.
Gladstone notes the importance of flexibility, especially when it comes to spraying schedules.
“The DEP prefers no-till methods but hasn’t restricted tillage equipment. They ask for details on the types and amounts of chemicals used, but pinpointing an exact day for spraying is impractical due to weather,” he explained. Unforeseen weather events can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
“You can’t wait for permission when the weather window is right; you just have to get it done.”
Despite the challenges, Gladstone appreciates the improvements made in the renewal process. DEP now notifies farmers well in advance of contract expirations, providing time for adjustments. While some frustrations remain, Gladstone believes the relationship between farmers and the DEP has strengthened, with both sides working toward a common goal of sustainable land use.
“We’ve come a long way,” he reflects, noting the DEP’s willingness to listen and adjust policies.
For farmers like him, the availability of NYC-owned land, even under regulated terms, remains a valuable resource that supports their operations and the broader agricultural community.
