Encompassing an area over 3,000 square miles, the Catskill region landscape is a rich and varied mosaic of mountains, forests, rivers, and farmland. Farming has always played an important role in these mountains, and the Catskills are home to hundreds of farms offering a wide variety of agricultural products.

Dairy farming has always been a mainstay of the regional economy, particularly in the northeastern portion of the Catskills. Fruit orchards and wineries are prevalent in the south eastern portion of the region, along the Hudson River Valley. Over the years, as the dairy industry has declined, more farms have embraced alternative agriculture, growing organic vegetables, specialty produce, and alternative livestock.

Many farms located within the New York City watershed have been implementing ‘best management practices’ designed to preserve the quality of surface drinking water as part of a program created by the Watershed Agricultural Council. Under the "Whole Farm Planning" program, farm owners receive assistance in creating a plan that outlines measures designed to reduce runoff and pollutants from their farms. In return, farmers may receive financial assistance to implement their plan.