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Letter to Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture

Letter

Date: July 22, 2014
Issues: Agriculture and Food Energy

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Continental Organics for a $10 million loan guarantee through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Such funding will enable Continental Organics to facilitate construction of Phase 3 of their long-term expansion project, benefiting many across the Hudson Valley. This project will allow the organic and hydroponic industries in The Hudson valley continue to develop and bring new long-term, sustainable jobs to Orange County.

Phase 3 of Continental Organics' expansion is being is a planned expansion in conjunction with its lenders, led by Orange County Trust. The expansion will add another 100,000 square feet of indoor Controlled Environment Agriculture ("CEA"), a 2,500 square foot expansion of the compost house, additional solar power systems; and, a 4 acre expansion of the raised bed garden. Most importantly, Phase 3 will create 36 new permanent jobs; 64 construction jobs; 47 indirect jobs and 31 induced jobs. Continental Organics has been committed to hiring as many veteran disabled employees as possible and will continue to hire returning disabled veterans as they expand and create jobs with this USDA funding.

This funding will expand the capabilities of the facilities, and I applaud Continental Organics for its foresight. As you may know, farms have historically been a key component of the Hudson Valley economy and way of life and this federal investment will allow farming to continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the Hudson Valley. By supporting this innovative, forward thinking business, we are proving the Hudson Valley can and will be a leader in the future of farming and sustainable agriculture. I sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.

Thank you for your consideration of this important project. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator


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