Agriculture is thriving in the 11-county Greater Capital Region of New York State—which includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties. The region encompasses approximately 849,781 acres of farmland across 4,878 farms. Notably, Washington and Montgomery counties are central to the region's agriculture, accounting for 37.7% of the total farmland. The dedicated farmers in this region run a diverse range of businesses that produce various products, including:
Dairy and Crop Farming: Farmers grow thousands of acres of hay and grain to feed dairy and livestock while also supplying grain and hay to wholesale markets.
Fruit and Vegetable Farming: Farmers cultivate a wide variety of produce sold directly to consumers at farmstands, farmers’ markets, and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
Greenhouses and Nurseries: Numerous operations offer annuals, perennials, bedding plants, hanging baskets, trees, and shrubs to beautify homes and businesses.
Honey and Maple Syrup Production: Beekeepers and maple syrup producers harvest natural sweetness from bees and trees to enrich our lives.
Christmas Tree Farming: Farmers grow various trees and wreaths to brighten holiday celebrations.