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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richmond County
Richmond County sits within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) region. Elevation averages about 87 feet.
Temperatures in Richmond County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.7 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Richmond County ran 5 farms and 5 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Quick Facts
| Region | New York City |
| Top Commodities | Horticulture Totals, Bedding Plant Totals |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Richmond County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
225 Dolson Ave, Middletown, NY 10940
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Richmond County Operations
Based on Richmond County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture initiatives support community gardens and small-scale farming operations. Educational programs connect urban residents with sustainable agriculture practices and local food systems.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Hudson County, New Jersey, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Union County, New Jersey, Kings County, New York, and Queens County, New York. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Richmond County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide
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