Governor Andrew Cuomo announced more than $1 million in grants to 27 new and early-stage farms through the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund, including three in Columbia County. The Blue Star Farm receives $50,000, Letterbox Farm gets $31,000, and the Morningstar Farm receives $30,436 from the program. "Agriculture remains a major New York industry, and with support from the New Farmers Grant Fund, we will be making investments that will pay dividends for future generations of farmers," Cuomo said. "The Fund continues to provide access to capital to help new and early farms grow, while supporting the expansion of businesses statewide, and with this latest round of awards, New York will help increase production and support this critically important part of our economy for years to come." The Long Season Farm and Westwind Orchard, both in Ulster County received $32,119 and $48,619, respectively.