Governor Cuomo Announces Expansion of Organic Food Company in Orange County

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Continental Organics will open a new facility in Orange County, creating 120 new jobs. Many of the positions will be filled by veterans.

Continental Organics is a veteran-owned small business specializing in the production of organic produce, fish, and fertilizer. Supported by a $6.2 million incentive package from the Empire State Development Corporation, the company will invest $49.8 million toward a five-year project that includes the construction of a 900,000 square foot facility in New Windsor.

"Small and medium size businesses are key to getting the state’s economy back on track,” Governor Cuomo said. “This project proves that by improving New York's business climate, we are continuing to attract private sector investment and stimulate job growth. I applaud Continental Organics’ decision to open a facility in New York and I commend them for working to provide our nation’s veterans with meaningful employment."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "This project demonstrates our efforts to develop a more business-friendly environment that incentivizes innovation and promotes job creation. Just this month, the Governor announced his Farm New York initiative, which is designed to increase distribution of New York farm products – including organic foods like those grown by Continental Organics. The military background of both Michael Finnegan and Thomas Endres highlights the Company's commitment to excellence. Continental is a great addition to the Hudson Valley’s economy and an example of how businesses are growing in New York. "

Orange County Executive, Edward Diana said, "We are proud to be announcing the graduation of Continental Organics to their new home in Orange County. Since opening its doors 21 months ago, the Orange County Business Accelerator has been a huge success and we look forward to more success stories in the future. Congratulations to Continental Organics founders Michael Finnegan and Tom Endres. We appreciate the confidence and investment they have placed in Orange County. "

Continental Organics CEO Michael Finnegan said, "I believe that organic food is the future of food production, and I am thrilled to be able to bring it to the Hudson Valley. We spent the past year operating out of the offices of the Orange County Business Accelerator. They were incredibly helpful in getting us started. We were the first client of the new Orange County Business Accelerator, and now we are going to be the first business to graduate to a new home in Orange County. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Orange County Executive Edward Diana for their steadfast support. "

Continental Organics COO Thomas Endres said, "We are proud to continue to grow here in the Hudson Valley. The location at Stewart Airport means that we can deliver our products to northeastern fish and vegetable wholesalers at lower costs. With the support of the state we can really focus on farming –growing tomatoes, cucumbers, Swiss chard and specialty greens. We will also farm tilapia, sell organic fertilizer and lease an adjacent farm. "

Continental Organics utilizes a 21st century method of food production known as "aquaponics" to grow fresh, organic produce in a nutrient rich solution, rather than soil. Housed entirely indoors, the aquaponic farm employs cutting-edge sustainable farming practices to ensure the highest levels of productivity and quality control. The company is led by a management team with experience in business, armed service, finance, commodities, environmental protection and construction project management.

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.