ALBANY – Almost $70,000 has been awarded to two agri-tourism projects in the Catskills. The grants were announced Thursday by state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker.

Agri-tourism provides added value to existing commodities and services, Hooker said.

• Rondout Valley Growers Association in Ulster County will receive $22,060 for its Rondout Valley Farm Tour.
• Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Arts, Inc. in Ulster County will receive $46,525 for its Wednesdays its Woodstock program, a weekly town-wide agriculture and food-oriented program.

The agri-tourism grants provide up to $50,000 in matching funds for projects involving traditional agri-tourism activities, as well as new approaches in promoting New York food and agriculture.