More than $6 million is being awarded to strengthen New York’s agricultural industry through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program. The 8 awarded projects will protect a total of 2,014 acres of valuable farmland across the State, helping to keep agricultural land in production, ensure the long-term viability of New York’s farming operations, and protect the State’s potential for carbon sequestration on these agricultural lands furthering the ability for the State to meet its climate goals.
The following projects are the first to be awarded for the 19th round of funding:
Capital Region ($3,256,567 for 958 acres):
- Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – $812,340 to protect 318 acres with 80% productive soils on Gibson Family Farms II (Livestock or Livestock Products category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $690,258 to protect 158 acres with 36% productive soils on Drummland Farm (Viable Agricultural Land – Other category)
- Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – $638,205 to protect 327 acres with 69% productive soils on Edgewood Farm (Field Crops category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $565,276 to protect 79 acres with 77% productive soils on Betterdays Farm (Climate Resiliency category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $550,488 to protect 76 acres with 59% productive soils on Two Lions Farm (Equine category)
Finger Lakes ($2,872,320 for 1,002 acres):
- Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – $1,133,605 to protect 380 acres with 81% productive soils on Stein Farms 1 (Viable Agricultural Land-Other category)
- Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – $1,738,715 to protect 622 acres with 88% productive soils on Stein Farms 2 (Viable Agricultural Land-Other category)
Western New York ($119,220 for 54 acres):
- Western New York Land Conservancy (Niagara County) – $119,220 to protect 54 acres with 89% productive soils on Tower Farm (Specialty Crops category)
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farmland is one of the most important natural resources we have. The Farmland Protection Program helps us to not only preserve our land and our rich soils, but also to help farmers to continue their operations, protect their way of life, and continue putting food on the table for New Yorkers and people worldwide. I congratulate all the awardees for participating in this program that is helping us to meet our climate goals and forever conserve our working landscapes for future generations of farmers.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “New York farmland is an important resource that must be protected from encroaching development. Once it is lost, it seldom returns to production, which is a loss for our state’s food supply. The open vistas and environmental benefits also contribute to the overall quality of life for all New Yorkers. New York appreciates Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to the farmland preservation program which provides needed incentives that support a farm’s long-term viability.”
