2025-10-31T09:42:54-04:00 2025-03-31 141800427 CUSACK & COMPANY CPAS LLC 7 AIRPORT PARK BLVD LATHAM NY 12110 990 2024-04-01 223084628 AGRICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP ASSN INC AGRI 5186927285 2531 STATE ROUTE 40 GREENWICH NY 12834 RENEE BOUPLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 5186927285 2025-10-31 true true JASON D MARRA CPA P00700955 5187863550 2025-10-31 X 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z RENEE BOUPLON 2531 STATE ROUTE 40 GREENWICH NY 12834 3994832 false X WWW.AGSTEWARDSHIP.ORG X 1990 NY ASA IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING FARMING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH LAND PROTECTION, STEWARDSHIP, AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY, AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION IS TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY'S WORKING FARMS AND FORESTS, CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE LAND, AND PROMOTE A VIBRANT FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY IN THE REGION. THE ORGANIZATION'S SERVICE AREA COVERS NEW YORK'S RENSSELAER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, WITH AROUND 1,300 FARMS CONTRIBUTING APPROXIMATELY 200 MILLION IN PRODUCT SALES ANNUALLY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. 15 15 14 137 0 2676278 3343265 3000 1817 485688 88415 69546 51634 3234512 3485131 0 0 624494 649076 0 105025 1984170 2337574 2608664 2986650 625848 498481 3985084 4250861 541743 201504 3443341 4049357 X ASA IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING FARMING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH LAND PROTECTION, STEWARDSHIP, AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY, AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION IS TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY'S WORKING FARMS AND FORESTS, CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE LAND, AND PROMOTE A VIBRANT FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY IN THE REGION. THE ORGANIZATION'S SERVICE AREA COVERS NEW YORK'S RENSSELAER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, WITH AROUND 1,300 FARMS CONTRIBUTING APPROXIMATELY 200 MILLION IN PRODUCT SALES ANNUALLY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. false false 2269467 1817 LAND PROTECTION AND ACQUISITION - THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES A CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS OF CONSERVING FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND. IN ADDITION TO DONATED EASEMENTS, THE ORGANIZATION PURCHASES EASEMENTS FROM WILLING LANDOWNERS AND OPERATES PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (PDR) PROGRAMS FOR RENSSELAER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, THE ORGANIZATION ASSISTED LANDOWNERS WITH THE CONSERVATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1,508 ACRES ON 7 FARMS. ALL OF THESE PROJECTS WERE FARMS THAT WERE AWARDED STATE FARMLAND PROTECTION FUNDING. BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTS WERE COMPLETED FOR ALL OF THE PROPERTIES THAT WERE CONSERVED. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO ADVANCED ANOTHER 17 EASEMENTS TOTALING 3,927 ACRES, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN AWARDED STATE FUNDING. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION OWNS A 140-ACRE FORESTED PROPERTY MANAGED AS A COMMUNITY FOREST FOR RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND RECENTLY PURCHASED A 78-ACRE PROPERTY TO BECOME THEIR SECOND COMMUNITY FOREST. 157625 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH - EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT CONSERVATION TOOLS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL FARMS AND THE NEED TO PROTECT FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION. THE ORGANIZATION HOLDS OUTREACH SESSIONS AND REGULARLY TALKS WITH SERVICE AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS, MUNICIPALITIES AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LAND CONSERVATION AND WAYS TO KEEP FARMERS ON THE LAND. MANY PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING LANDS AND BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO CONTINUED TO DEVELOP NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN URBAN AREAS OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT. RECOGNIZING THAT PROTECTING FARMLAND AND FOSTERING FARMING GOES HAND IN HAND, THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUED TO PARTNER WITH OTHERS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FARMERS. THIS INCLUDED TRAINING FOR FARMERS, FARM MATCH SERVICES, PEER TO PEER MENTORING AND CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLANS. 124093 EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT - THE ORGANIZATION SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED STEWARDSHIP VISITS TO ALL 172 EXISTING EASEMENTS IN ORDER TO FULFILL ITS ONGOING RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD THE TERMS OF ITS EASEMENTS AND PROTECT THE CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE CONSERVED LAND. THE ORGANIZATION HAS UNDERTAKEN A SERIES OF INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE ITS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM, INCLUDING PURCHASING COLLECTIVE EASEMENT DEFENSE INSURANCE (TERRAFIRMA RRG) TO PROTECT ITS ORGANIZATIONAL ASSETS IN CASE OF LITIGATION, HIRING ADDITIONAL STEWARDSHIP STAFF FOR ADDED CAPACITY, AND INCORPORATING MORE TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS WITH STEWARDSHIP TASKS. THE ORGANIZATION RESPONDED TO MANY LANDOWNER QUESTIONS AND PERMISSION REQUESTS REGARDING THEIR EASEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO COMMUNICATE WITH LANDOWNERS OF EASEMENT PROTECTED LAND AND ACTIVELY MEETS WITH NEW OWNERS TO ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP AND DISCUSS THE EASEMENTS. AS PART OF ITS CONTINUING EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH OWNERS OF CONSERVED LANDS, IT SPONSORED SEVERAL LANDOWNER WORKSHOPS THIS YEAR ON TOPICS SUCH AS SOIL HEALTH, REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, AND CHAIN SAW SAFETY. THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVED LAND TRUST ACCREDITATION IN 2013, RECEIVED ACCREDITATION RENEWAL IN 2019 AND 2024. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO IMPROVE ITS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BY PARTICIPATING IN MEETINGS WITH LAND TRUSTS IN THE REGION AND ATTENDS TRAINING SESSIONS ON STEWARDSHIP AND EASEMENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES. 2551185 true true false true false false true false false false true false false false false true true false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 25 0 true 14 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false X 15 15 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true false false NY X RENEE BOUPLON 5186927285 2531 STATE ROUTE 40 GREENWICH NY 12834 RENEE BOUPLON EXECUTIVE DI 40.00 X 101459 0 11964 MARY ELLEN WILLIAMS CHAIR 4.00 X X 0 0 0 JAMES ALLEN CO-CHAIR 4.00 X X 0 0 0 DAVID GREEN CO-CHAIR 4.00 X X 0 0 0 LAUREN WILLIAMS SECRETARY 4.00 X X 0 0 0 PATRICIA LOCKWOOD TREASURER 4.00 X X 0 0 0 MARK ANDERSON DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 SARAH ASHTON DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 DAVID FLEMING JR DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 OLIVIA FULLER DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 MEGAN HARRIS-PERO DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 CODY LAPAGE DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 CLIFFORD MEALY DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 ANNIE PAULSEN DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 DALE-ILA RIGGS DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 HUGH ROOME DIRECTOR 1.50 X 0 0 0 101459 11964 1 false false false 21918 2256075 1065272 3343265 PROGRAM SERVICE FEES 1817 1817 1817 82582 82582 387012 381179 5833 5833 5833 180055 21918 128522 51533 OTHER INCOME 101 101 101 3485131 7751 82582 113424 61210 38526 13688 456696 246460 155122 55114 9381 5063 3186 1132 30366 16387 10315 3664 39209 22926 11187 5096 1711 404 1008 299 43767 10329 25779 7659 31733 7499 18692 5542 11340 1025 9460 855 9045 3610 5226 209 22200 11980 7540 2680 5846 3608 804 1434 2119 1144 720 255 6434 3473 2185 776 EASEMENT PROCUREMENTS 2104659 2094686 8986 987 OUTREACH AND MARKETING 34522 28820 872 4830 BANK FEES 20023 9907 10029 87 TITLE SEARCH/APPRAISAL 18939 18939 25236 3715 20803 718 2986650 2551185 330440 105025 287712 443431 637672 322380 27767 13347 48250 24025 3994 8700 281539 50068 115110 231471 2861867 3205807 2712 1700 3985084 4250861 80893 75924 460850 125580 541743 201504 X 2133811 2406191 1309530 1643166 3443341 4049357 3985084 4250861 498481 107535 X false true X true false X 4049810 3439750 3147167 2676278 3343265 16656270 4049810 3439750 3147167 2676278 3343265 16656270 9329408 7326862 22523 16928 33028 64421 82582 219482 61150 241 3220 2709 67320 16943072 841130 0.43240 0.52050 X PART II, LINE 10 PROGRAMS 13,006 FUNDRAISING, NET OF EXPENSES 40,184 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 14,130 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED true true false true 168 false false true 1708 false false 1876 false SCHEDULE C, PART II-B, LINE 1 THE ORGANIZATION ENGAGED IN VERY LIMITED LOBBYING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING DIRECT CONTACT WITH AND MAILINGS TO LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND PARTICIPATION IN LOBBY DAYS HELD BY PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS. X 179 33117.00 2 true 2746.00 112550 227247 227247 54292 50068 4224 231471 X 3592666 107535 107535 3485131 3485131 2986650 2986650 2986650 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 1, PART II, LINE 5 THE ORGANIZATION HAS A WRITTEN MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT POLICY IN PLACE. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 1, PART II, LINE 9 ACQUISITION COSTS INCURRED BY THE ORGANIZATION TO PURCHASE A CONSERVATION EASEMENT ARE EXPENSED IN THE PERIOD INCURRED. THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT RECORD DONATED EASEMENTS AT FAIR VALUE. DONATED EASEMENTS ARE CARRIED AT ZERO BOOK VALUE PRIMARILY BECAUSE A TYPICAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROVIDES THE ORGANIZATION WITH NO AFFIRMATIVE RIGHTS EXCEPT TO MONITOR AND ENFORCE THE EASEMENT. EASEMENT REVENUE WOULD ONLY BE REPORTED IF THERE WAS A GRANT OR OTHER RESTRICTED DONATION DESIGNATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF AN EASEMENT. PROPERTIES ON WHICH THE ORGANIZATION HOLDS EASEMENTS ARE MONITORED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EASEMENT TERMS AND THE MONITORING POLICY. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X THE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS CODIFICATION REQUIRES ENTITIES TO DISCLOSE IN THEIR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE NATURE OF ANY UNCERTAINTY IN THEIR TAX POSITION. THE ORGANIZATION HAS NOT RECOGNIZED ANY BENEFITS OR LIABILITIES FROM UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS IN THE CURRENT YEAR AND BELIEVES THAT THEY HAVE NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS FOR WHICH IT IS REASONABLY POSSIBLE THAT WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OR DECREASE NET ASSETS. GENERALLY, FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES MAY EXAMINE THE ORGANIZATION'S TAX RETURNS FOR THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FILING; CONSEQUENTLY, INCOME RETURNS FOR YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ARE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY TAX AUTHORITIES. LANDSCAPES 116520 3618 112902 78914 FOREVER FARMLAN 85453 18300 67153 18546 31062 201973 21918 180055 18546 109976 128522 51533 FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION ASA IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING FARMING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH LAND PROTECTION, STEWARDSHIP, AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY, AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION IS TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY'S WORKING FARMS AND FORESTS, CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE LAND, AND PROMOTE A VIBRANT FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY IN THE REGION. THE ORGANIZATION'S SERVICE AREA COVERS NEW YORK'S RENSSELAER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, WITH AROUND 1,300 FARMS CONTRIBUTING APPROXIMATELY 200 MILLION IN PRODUCT SALES ANNUALLY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A LAND PROTECTION AND ACQUISITION - THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES A CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS OF CONSERVING FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND. IN ADDITION TO DONATED EASEMENTS, THE ORGANIZATION PURCHASES EASEMENTS FROM WILLING LANDOWNERS AND OPERATES PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (PDR) PROGRAMS FOR RENSSELAER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, THE ORGANIZATION ASSISTED LANDOWNERS WITH THE CONSERVATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1,508 ACRES ON 7 FARMS. ALL OF THESE PROJECTS WERE FARMS THAT WERE AWARDED STATE FARMLAND PROTECTION FUNDING. BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTS WERE COMPLETED FOR ALL OF THE PROPERTIES THAT WERE CONSERVED. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO ADVANCED ANOTHER 17 EASEMENTS TOTALING 3,927 ACRES, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN AWARDED STATE FUNDING. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION OWNS A 140-ACRE FORESTED PROPERTY MANAGED AS A COMMUNITY FOREST FOR RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND RECENTLY PURCHASED A 78-ACRE PROPERTY TO BECOME THEIR SECOND COMMUNITY FOREST. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B EDUCATION AND OUTREACH - EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT CONSERVATION TOOLS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL FARMS AND THE NEED TO PROTECT FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION. THE ORGANIZATION HOLDS OUTREACH SESSIONS AND REGULARLY TALKS WITH SERVICE AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS, MUNICIPALITIES AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LAND CONSERVATION AND WAYS TO KEEP FARMERS ON THE LAND. MANY PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING LANDS AND BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO CONTINUED TO DEVELOP NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN URBAN AREAS OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT. RECOGNIZING THAT PROTECTING FARMLAND AND FOSTERING FARMING GOES HAND IN HAND, THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUED TO PARTNER WITH OTHERS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FARMERS. THIS INCLUDED TRAINING FOR FARMERS, FARM MATCH SERVICES, PEER TO PEER MENTORING AND CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLANS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT - THE ORGANIZATION SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED STEWARDSHIP VISITS TO ALL 172 EXISTING EASEMENTS IN ORDER TO FULFILL ITS ONGOING RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD THE TERMS OF ITS EASEMENTS AND PROTECT THE CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE CONSERVED LAND. THE ORGANIZATION HAS UNDERTAKEN A SERIES OF INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE ITS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM, INCLUDING PURCHASING COLLECTIVE EASEMENT DEFENSE INSURANCE (TERRAFIRMA RRG) TO PROTECT ITS ORGANIZATIONAL ASSETS IN CASE OF LITIGATION, HIRING ADDITIONAL STEWARDSHIP STAFF FOR ADDED CAPACITY, AND INCORPORATING MORE TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS WITH STEWARDSHIP TASKS. THE ORGANIZATION RESPONDED TO MANY LANDOWNER QUESTIONS AND PERMISSION REQUESTS REGARDING THEIR EASEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO COMMUNICATE WITH LANDOWNERS OF EASEMENT PROTECTED LAND AND ACTIVELY MEETS WITH NEW OWNERS TO ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP AND DISCUSS THE EASEMENTS. AS PART OF ITS CONTINUING EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH OWNERS OF CONSERVED LANDS, IT SPONSORED SEVERAL LANDOWNER WORKSHOPS THIS YEAR ON TOPICS SUCH AS SOIL HEALTH, REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, AND CHAIN SAW SAFETY. THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVED LAND TRUST ACCREDITATION IN 2013, RECEIVED ACCREDITATION RENEWAL IN 2019 AND 2024. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO IMPROVE ITS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BY PARTICIPATING IN MEETINGS WITH LAND TRUSTS IN THE REGION AND ATTENDS TRAINING SESSIONS ON STEWARDSHIP AND EASEMENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B IT IS THE POLICY OF THE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY REVIEW THE COMPLETED FORM 990 AND THAT COPIES OF THE FORM ARE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS BEFORE IT IS FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY THAT IS DOCUMENTED AND FOLLOWED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND STAFF TO DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST INVOLVING THEMSELVES, A FAMILY MEMBER, A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTOR OR MEMBER OF A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTOR'S FAMILY, OR OTHER INSIDER AS DEFINED BY THE CURRENT BOARD POLICY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONDUCTS AN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FULL BOARD REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEWS COMPARABLE COMPENSATION DATA OF SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS AT SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS SALARY INFORMATION GATHERED BY THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE AND OTHER SOURCES. IF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DOES NOT HAVE DATA AS TO COMPARABILITY, IT DOCUMENTS ANY OTHER BASIS FOR BELIEVING THE PROPOSED COMPENSATION IS REASONABLE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION WILL PROVIDE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO ASKS, COPIES OF ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, IRS FORM 990 AND ANNUAL REPORT TO THE NEW YORK STATE CHARITIES BUREAU. COPIES OF THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNUAL TAX FILING CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON THE CHARITIES BUREAU'S WEBSITE.