A record $25 million is being made available for projects that will help New York’s farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. This funding is being offered through the State’s Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (Ag Non-Point), which is being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Applications for the program can be found here.
The Ag Non-Point Program provides funding to projects that focus on either environmental planning or the implementation of best management practice systems to protect New York’s watersheds. Projects include conservation measures, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, and conservation cover crops.
Through this latest round of the program, Round 30, a total of $25 million is being made available to the State’s County and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, who will apply on behalf of New York farmers: $14 million is from the Environmental Protection Fund and $11 million is from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The Ag Non-Point Program is marking its 30th anniversary, and so far, through 29 rounds of funding, over $250 million has been awarded to on-farm projects.
The application for the program and additional information are available on the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “It is quite incredible to see the progress we have made over the three decades this program has been available to our farmers. Our farmers have long been at the forefront of efforts to preserve our natural resources and combat the effects of climate change, and with Governor Hochul’s commitment to our agricultural community, we have been able to double down on those efforts. This year, we are proud to offer a record level of funding through the Ag Non-Point program, which will help even more farmers implement best practices that will conserve water and protect our waterways. An investment in our environment is an investment in our agricultural industry, and this funding will help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “With $25 million supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, New York State is making strategic investments to ensure farmers and agricultural communities statewide are bolstering their climate resilience and growing their capacity to implement voluntary conservation practices that protect water resources for farms and downstream communities challenged by more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment and investments in safeguarding the state’s waters, the funding announced today will continue to promote economic growth and the health and resilience of New York’s farms and ecosystems.”
Project proposals are due at 4:30 p.m. on February 24, 2025.
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