New York State is awarding more than $6 million to strengthen New York’s agricultural industry through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program.
The eight 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.
Three of the grants went to Saratoga PLAN for land in Saratoga County.
Saratoga PLAN was awarded $690,258 to protect 158 acres, with 36 percent productive soils, on Drummland Farm, $565,276 to protect 79 acres, with 77 percent productive soils, on Betterdays Farm, and $550,488 to protect 76 acres, with 59 percent productive soils, on Two Lions Farm in the equine category,
“Protecting our state’s farmlands is a critical component not only to protecting our environment, but also maintaining the economic viability of the state’s agricultural industry for generations to come,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This program gives farmers the support they need to conserve land while expanding market opportunities so they can continue to produce and sell some of the highest quality foods, beverages, and products in the country that sustain our communities.”
“Farming is a cornerstone of New York’s economy and we must ensure our farmlands are preserved,” said Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.
This is the 19th round of the state’s Farmland Protection program. Last year, for the first time ever, the program awarded funding to projects to support the state’s top priorities—like food security, climate resiliency, and source water protection—as well as expanded eligibility criteria for the program to include the agroforestry, equine, and wine sectors.
In addition, the eligibility criteria for the program has been expanded again, now including three new categories: field crops, livestock or livestock products, and access to farmland. Access to farmland is specifically intended to help address ongoing challenges facing new and beginning farmers as well as retiring farmers in this area.
The state Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program and its associated grant opportunities. Grant applications are accepted on a continuous basis, until all funds have been awarded.
The program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts to enable them to implement farmland protection activities consistent with local agricultural and farmland protection plans.
The most frequently funded activity is the purchase of development rights on individual farms. However, the program also awards funding to enable other implementation activities, such as amendments to local laws affecting agriculture, option agreements, and covering the transaction costs of donated agricultural conservation easements.
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.”