Empire State Today

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has released new proposed eligibility guidelines for public comment. These guidelines are aimed at allocating funding for farmland protection projects under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball emphasized the importance of protecting farmland as a critical natural resource. "Our farmers are on the front lines of meaningful, sustainable efforts to preserve our natural resources," he stated, highlighting the role of farmland in food supply and climate change mitigation.

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar also commented on the initiative, saying, "Investing in projects to protect farmland is an essential component of New York State’s sustained efforts to protect water and soil quality statewide."

The public is invited to comment on these draft eligibility guidelines available in the February 27 Environmental Notice Bulletin. The final guidelines will direct $150 million from Bond Act resources to Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) over three years. This will support locally led farmland protection projects across New York State.

The FPIG Program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts for implementing farmland protection activities aligned with local agricultural plans. To date, it has preserved over 124,800 acres through conservation easement projects totaling more than $303 million on 419 farms.

These grants often fund conservation easements that help landowners avoid selling their land for development pressures. According to a survey by the New York Farmland Protection Program, nearly one-third of farms receiving grants expanded their operations.

Projects must meet specific eligibility requirements related to farm operation type, project size, active agricultural production percentage, and productive soils percentage. Additionally, they must include a site plan consistent with AGM guidance and satisfy match contribution requirements among other stipulations.

Public comments can be submitted until March 28, 2025. For more information about this initiative or how to participate in public commenting, individuals can contact David H. Behm at the New York State AGM.

New Yorkers approved the Environmental Bond Act on November 8, 2022. It aims to fund projects that protect water quality and help communities adapt to climate change while creating green jobs. At least 35 percent of Bond Act funds are designated for disadvantaged communities with a goal of reaching 40 percent.

An inter-agency working group is actively identifying environmental funding needs across New York State as part of ongoing efforts related to this act.