Saratoga PLAN: Cultivating a Future for Local Farming
Interview with Sarah Walsh, Associate Director at Saratoga PLAN
In the heart of upstate New York, where development pressures collide with agricultural heritage, Saratoga PLAN is leading the charge to preserve the region’s farmland and strengthen its farming future. Through conservation easements, landowner partnerships, and advocacy, the nonprofit is playing a critical role in protecting the land that feeds our communities. We sat down with Sarah Walsh, Associate Director at Saratoga PLAN, to explore how the organization supports farmers across Saratoga County and beyond.
Protecting Farmland, One Acre at a Time
Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has protected over 2,900 acres of farmland in Saratoga County alone, a critical feat given the alarming rate at which farms are disappearing. According to Walsh, “We’re losing 50 acres of farmland per day in New York State.” This statistic, sourced from American Farmland Trust, underscores the urgency of PLAN’s work.
Through conservation easements, the organization works with willing landowners to permanently protect farmland while allowing for ongoing agricultural use. Contrary to common misconceptions, these easements do not remove the land from the tax rolls or eliminate all development. Instead, they create a smart balance: preserving prime soils for farming while allowing farmers flexibility to grow their business.
“These easements are tailored to the farm’s needs,” Walsh explained. “If a farm wants to add barns or other infrastructure later, that’s possible—as long as it stays within designated use areas that protect core farmland.”
Supporting Viability and Growth
For PLAN, it’s not just about preservation; it’s about supporting viable farming for future generations. “The state’s farmland protection funding looks for long-term viability,” said Walsh. That means the organization dives deep into a farm’s business operations when evaluating protection projects. A pre-application process helps PLAN understand the size of the operation, its income sources, next-generation involvement, and overall sustainability.
Farmers who go through the full three-to-five-year conservation process may receive payment for relinquishing development rights on a portion of their land—a “bargain sale” compared to full market value, but a valuable opportunity nonetheless. That money can go back into the business, help pay down debt, or fund investments like micro-dairies.
However, Walsh acknowledges the challenge: “This model doesn’t work for every farm. The payout isn’t a silver bullet. Some farms simply need more capital support than the state can currently offer.”
A Regional Resource for New Farmers
With the average age of farmers rising—and many without a next generation in place—Saratoga PLAN is also addressing the challenge of farm succession. The organization is a regional navigator for the “Farmland for a New Generation” program, connecting retiring farmers with aspiring ones through platforms like Find A Farm and Find A Farmer.
“It’s like matchmaking,” said Walsh. “We help farmers list their land and assist aspiring farmers in finding potential opportunities. It’s about creating a gentle entry into farming, with mentorship and the transfer of generational knowledge.”
Although no matches have been finalized yet in Saratoga’s region, Walsh is optimistic. “The activity is increasing, and we’re hopeful that more pairings will happen over time as the program gains visibility.”
Celebrating Local Agriculture: The Saratoga Farm Showcase
Beyond the paperwork and easements, Saratoga PLAN also champions public engagement. Its annual Farm Showcase, launched post-COVID, is a celebration of local agriculture. The most recent event, held on June 21, 2025, spotlighted 12 farms in the Galway, Charlton, and Ballston Spa areas, including Featherbed Lane Farm.
Participants toured farms, tasted local foods, and connected with the people who grow their groceries. Highlights included Buckley Farm’s robust offerings, 4H horseback riding, and even vegetable and goat-themed temporary tattoos. “It’s a way to reconnect the public with farming,” said Walsh. “If you don’t know your local farmer, you should.”
Balancing Growth and Preservation
Saratoga PLAN’s efforts exist against the backdrop of a rapidly developing region. “Saratoga County is the second-fastest growing county in New York State,” Walsh said. The influx of development—particularly from post-COVID migration—means farmland is under constant threat.
Yet, PLAN isn’t anti-development. “We believe in balancing the built environment with the natural one,” said Walsh. “It’s about smart growth that preserves what makes this region so special—our farms, our soils, and our way of life.”
Looking Ahead
The biggest challenge ahead? Funding. With limited state resources and increasing demand for farmland protection, PLAN is calling for greater investment. “We’ve relied heavily on generous landowners, but most farmers need real capital to make these protections feasible,” Walsh emphasized.
Still, the mission is clear—and deeply rooted. “Farmers have a unique, intimate relationship with the land. Whether you’re running a CSA, raising animals, or just growing food for your neighbors, it all matters,” Walsh said.
As Saratoga PLAN continues its work across the region—expanding into Fulton and Warren Counties, hosting educational events, and championing smart farmland conservation—one thing is certain: they’re not just preserving land. They’re preserving a way of life.For more information about Saratoga PLAN’s farmland initiatives, visit saratogaplan.org.