During the 2024 Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $33 million, a record level of funding, to farms through Round 8 of the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. Through the life of the grant, 70 projects will be implemented on 184 farms across New York State. Launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2015, the CRF program helps farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and address the impacts of extreme weather events resulting from climate change.
In Round 8 of the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Finger Lakes region were granted $12,948,325 to collaborate with 67 farms. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) received grants on behalf of farmers in six project tract categories: livestock management, alternate waste management, precision feed management, manure storage cover and methane capture projects, adaptation and resiliency, healthy soils NY, soil health systems, and agricultural forestry management. These Best Management Practices (BMPs) aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, safeguard water quality, save energy, and focus on water management to mitigate the impact of droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
Seneca County SWCD was awarded nearly $1.4 million in the Soil Health Systems track to work with 8 producers throughout the county. These producers will implement 13,520 acres of cover crops over the four-year grant. Additionally, Seneca SWCD was awarded nearly $275k in the Health Soils NY tract. Seneca County SWCD will work with 5 producers to implement a variety of soil health practices to enhance infiltration rates of the soil, reduce erosion and greenhouse gas emissions. Over the course of this four-year grant, 1,295 acres of cover crops, 97 acres of mulch, 3 acres of pollinator habitat, and 14 acres of conservation cover and field borders will be implemented.
Cover Crops and mulching have many benefits and are a few of many tools’ farmers can use to help reduce soil loss due to erosion, runoff, and the transportation of valuable nutrients. The implementation of the total 14,912 acres across the projects will improve the water quality within the Seneca and Cayuga Lake Watersheds, as well as the Clyde River through the decrease of nutrient runoff. Cover crops also help sequester carbon and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Through the life span of these two awarded grants, an estimated 1,418 metric tons of CO2 equivalent will be sequestered and an estimated reduction of Total Phosphorus by 902.1 lbs. per year or 3,608.4 lbs. over the course of the two grants.
“Seneca County has witnessed firsthand the rising frequency of extreme storm events and the resulting erosion and flooding that threaten our natural resources. This crucial funding will not only empower our farmers to maintain productive and environmentally sustainable agriculture but also play a pivotal role in safeguarding Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and the Clyde River—our invaluable treasures. We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of our producers and the state’s steadfast support for our community.” Said Erin Peruzzini, District Manager at Seneca County SWCD.
Curtis Davis, District Technician at Seneca County SWCD, said “Amidst the challenges posed by a changing climate, this vital funding for these climate resilient and soil health practices will significantly enhance both soil health and water quality in our county. We commend our dedicated producers for their relentless efforts and innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. Their commitment, coupled with the state’s unwavering support, ensures a resilient and prosperous future for our community.”
In 2023, Seneca County producers were awarded over $950,000 through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program (Round 7) for implementing 9,704 acres of cover crop and 125 acres of mulching. This funding is allocated through 2029, bringing the total to over $2.6 million for soil health practices. The projects include implementing 24,519 acres of cover crop, 222 acres of mulching, 3 acres of pollinator habitat, and 14 acres of ground field borders and conservation cover. These combined efforts are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,394 metric tons of CO2 equivalent and to reduce Total Phosphorus by 1,497.6 lbs. per year or 7,488 lbs. over the course of the four grants.
In order to participate in the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, farmers must participate in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program. AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective, and science-based decisions to meet business objectives while protecting and conserving New York State’s natural resources. By participating in AEM, farmers can document their environmental stewardship and further advance their positive contributions to their communities, our food systems, the economy, and the environment.
If you have any questions about the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, cover crops and soil health or how to participate in the AEM program please call the Seneca County SWCD office at (315) 568-4366.
