Greg Hudson is reporting in the Register-Star three Columbia County farms will receive more than $2 million in protection grants from the state, the Columbia Land Conservancy announced last week. Widows Creek Farm in Stockport, Millerhurst Farm in Ancramdale and Berkshire Valley Farm in Copake will receive the funds, made available through the state Department Agriculture and Markets Agricultural and Farmland Protection Program. The grants go to ensure farmland is protected from development. Columbia Land Conservancy Director Marissa Codey said the funding provides a financial incentive for farm owners to sign away development rights to the conservancy, which in turn prevents residential or non-farm development on the farm. Codey said the program helps owners improve and expand their operations, ensuring the farmland remains farmland into the future. Read the full story in the Register-Star.