NYS Department of Corrections Ends Inmate Farm Programs

The NYS Department of Corrections has terminated its farm programs, which had operated at 69 facilities across the state, including a dairy farm and milk processing plant in Elmira.

According to the press release:

"The farms, which produce meat, milk and vegetables for the production of meals in the prison system, are intended to provide inmates with vocational experience. However, the farms have become increasingly costly to operate when viewed in light of the limited benefit they provide."

Also,

"The ultimate elimination of the prison farms will produce a net savings to DOCS of $3.4 million annually. DOCS will work with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to assist in decommissioning the farms."

The DOC plans to lease the land for the 2009 season, including 247 acres in Elmira.

Update 4/13/09, from the NYS DOC Director of communications:

"It was a difficult decision to decommission the farms, but it should be seen in light of the historic deficit the State had to close, resulting from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression which, in turn, resulted from the collapse of financial houses and the historic decline of Wall Street (which, in turn supplies 20 percent of State revenues) and the Governor's resulting direction that each agency reduce spending and refocus on its core mission."

Elmira's total acreage is 247.5 acres but there are three separate leases up for bid: 95.5 acres, 56.5 acres, and 67.5 acres. Some of that land is not suitable for private farming operations due to security concerns. Elmira's livestock went to Morrisville State College and equipment will be auctioned.

At the time the decommissioning was announced, 15 inmates worked at the Elmira farm, four civilian employees and three correction officers worked at the farm. Each employee will be offered a transfer to another position within DOCS.