Be ECO and Town staff visited several inspiring farms: Chester Agricultural Center, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, Edible Uprising, and Pitney Meadows Community Farm, to see shared farm infrastructure and community-focused agriculture in action.

These visits highlighted the value of long-term land access, shared resources, and flexible spaces that help farmers thrive and connect with the community. Lessons learned are shaping Bethlehem’s approach to supporting local agriculture and growing stronger ties between farms and our town.

Bethlehem has a long tradition of public–nonprofit partnerships.

Now, that same collaborative spirit is shaping local agriculture. The Town and Be-ECO are working with residents to support farmers, invest in shared infrastructure, and grow food for the community.

At a time when local food and resilience matter more than ever, we’re asking: What if farming was something we did together?