New York State has announced that $25 million in funding is now available to help farmers implement water quality conservation projects. The funds are part of the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program, supported by the Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Commissioner Richard A. Ball of the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets said, “For over three decades, our Ag Nonpoint program has seen tremendous success, helping farmers implement best practices to protect our waterways. We’re excited to see even more funding dedicated to this program for the second year in a row through the Bond Act, helping us to continue investing in projects that will not only ensure the health of our environment but also help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton added, “Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to safeguard water quality and boost New York’s agricultural economy through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the Environmental Protection Fund, and innovative programs that build lasting partnerships to protect our waterways. DEC applauds State Agriculture’s latest $25 million now available to build upon the Ag Nonpoint Program’s proven success in helping more farmers implement effective environmental protection strategies in their communities.”
The Ag Nonpoint Program supports both environmental planning and on-the-ground best management practices such as manure storage improvements, vegetative stream buffers, and cover crops. This new round of funding—Round 31—will distribute $14 million from the Environmental Protection Fund and $11 million from the Bond Act. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will apply on behalf of local farmers.
Since its inception 30 years ago, more than $275 million has been awarded through 30 rounds of this program. In Round 30 alone, funds went to 109 farms across 25 county districts for projects including cover crop plans covering over 12,000 acres.
Applications are due by April 20, 2026. Details are available at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities.
Matt Brower, Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee said: “In the past, farmers in New York have demonstrated a need for the funding from the Ag Nonpoint Program to protect water quality on and off the farm. They have also demonstrated a willingness to install the conservation practices necessary to address water quality issues when the funds are available. Not only are we fortunate to have the funds available to the farmers, but we are also fortunate to have the Soil and Water Conservation District staff available to assist the farmers with planning, design, and installation of these practices.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey stated: “New York farmers are the leading stewards of our natural resources, and everything we can do as a state to support them in that work is essential. These grants mark a second year of record investment in the Ag Nonpoint program, and we’re thrilled to provide this support to help New York farmers implement projects that protect our lands and waters while making their operations more resilient.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo commented: “New York’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts work hard to protect our natural resources. Fortunately, the Ag Nonpoint Source Program delivers resources they need to develop effective on-farm solutions for NY’s farmers. This latest round of funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and now the Bond Act is an opportunity to support farmers in implementing water quality conservation projects across state. Thank you everyone involved for their shared commitment at this important time.”
The Department of Agriculture and Markets administers this program alongside its Division of Land and Water Resources as part of broader efforts such as farmland protection initiatives (https://agriculture.ny.gov). The agency traces its roots back nearly two centuries; today it offers grants supporting local products—including other recent programs like Grown & Certified—and works statewide with key officials such as Commissioner Richard Ball (https://agriculture.ny.gov).
The Agricultural Nonpoint Program operates within a larger Agricultural Environmental Management framework designed for science-based decision-making that balances business needs with environmental stewardship (https://agriculture.ny.gov).
Governor Hochul recently highlighted major investments totaling nearly $125 million since 2020 into on-farm resource conservation efforts aimed at combating climate change. The current fiscal year budget increases agricultural program allocations via EPF by $4 million over last year—for a total of $81.8 million—including continued support for initiatives like Cornell Soil Health research.
Voters approved an additional $4.2 billion under New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air & Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act in 2022; these funds further bolster infrastructure upgrades benefiting both farms and communities statewide.
