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Orange County, New York

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

The county encompasses the Hudson Highlands and Shawangunk Mountains, creating dramatic topography with steep ridges, deep valleys, and the Hudson River forming the eastern border. The landscape varies from river bottomlands to rugged mountain terrain.

The famous Black Dirt region provides ideal conditions for onion and other vegetable production on rich organic soils. Dairy farming occupies the hillier areas while specialty crops, including the county's renowned onions, dominate the fertile valley floors.

Quick Facts
RegionHudson Valley
Top CommoditiesVegetables, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Horses, Corn
Farms & Ranches~380 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~66,000 acres
Average Farm Size~107 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Orange County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Orange County Operations

Based on Orange County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Black dirt soil management and water management systems are critical for vegetable production. Farmland preservation programs protect agricultural areas from development pressure in this rapidly growing region.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Orange County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Orange County?"

Your Next Steps in Orange County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide

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