Governor Hochul Announces More Than $6 Million Awarded to Conserve Over 2,000 Acres of New York Farmland During Climate Week
Governor Hochul Announces More Than $6 Million Awarded to ... ny.gov
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Governor Hochul Announces $6 Million in Grants to Strengthen New York’s Agricultural Industry
During Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that over $6 million is being awarded to enhance New York’s agricultural industry through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program. These grants will protect a total of 2,014 acres of valuable farmland across the state, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the state’s climate goals.
Importance of Farmland Protection
Governor Hochul emphasized that protecting farmlands is crucial for preserving the environment and ensuring the economic viability of New York’s agricultural industry for future generations. By conserving land and expanding market opportunities, farmers can continue producing high-quality foods, beverages, and products that sustain local communities.
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado also highlighted the significance of preserving farmlands, stating that it maintains current production levels while creating new economic opportunities.
Expansion of Eligibility Criteria
This is the 19th round of the State’s Farmland Protection program. Last year, the program expanded its eligibility criteria to include priority areas such as food security, climate resiliency, and source water protection. The latest expansion includes three new categories: field crops, livestock or livestock products, and access to farmland. The inclusion of access to farmland aims to address challenges faced by new and retiring farmers.
Awarded Projects
The following projects have been awarded funding in the 19th round:
Capital Region ($3,256,567 for 958 acres):
- Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – $812,340 to protect 318 acres with 80% productive soils on Gibson Family Farms II (Livestock or Livestock Products category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $690,258 to protect 158 acres with 36% productive soils on Drummland Farm (Viable Agricultural Land – Other category)
- Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – $638,205 to protect 327 acres with 69% productive soils on Edgewood Farm (Field Crops category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $565,276 to protect 79 acres with 77% productive soils on Betterdays Farm (Climate Resiliency category)
- Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga County) – $550,488 to protect 76 acres with 59% productive soils on Two Lions Farm (Equine category)
Finger Lakes ($2,872,320 for 1,002 acres):
- Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – $1,133,605 to protect 380 acres with 81% productive soils on Stein Farms 1 (Viable Agricultural Land-Other category)
- Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – $1,738,715 to protect 622 acres with 88% productive soils on Stein Farms 2 (Viable Agricultural Land-Other category)
Western New York ($119,220 for 54 acres):
- Western New York Land Conservancy (Niagara County) – $119,220 to protect 54 acres with 89% productive soils on Tower Farm (Specialty Crops category)
Supportive Statements
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball highlighted the importance of farmland preservation in protecting natural resources, supporting farmers, and ensuring food security for New Yorkers and people worldwide.
State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, commended the grants program for preserving farmland and strengthening local food systems, emphasizing the role of agriculture in the fight against the climate crisis.
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, expressed appreciation for the funding awarded to protect farmland and acknowledged Governor Hochul’s commitment to the health and vitality of New York agriculture.
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher emphasized the need to protect farmland from development, as its loss negatively impacts food supply, quality of life, and environmental benefits.
American Farmland Trust New York Policy Manager Mikaela Perry praised the farmers, land trusts, and the State of New York for their commitment to farmland protection and emphasized the importance of protected farms in implementing climate-smart practices.
Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program
The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts for farmland protection activities aligned with local agricultural and farmland protection plans. The program primarily supports the purchase of development rights on individual farms but also funds other implementation activities.
New York State’s Climate Plan
New York State is a leader in climate and clean energy initiatives. The Department of Agriculture and Markets administers agricultural programs that protect water quality and preserve farmland. The state has invested $5 billion in clean water infrastructure since 2017, with an additional $500 million allocated in the 2023-24 Enacted Budget. These investments support programs like the Climate Resilient Farming Program and the Agricultural Non-Point Program, which promote environmental stewardship and efficient farming systems.
The Department is also involved in the State’s Climate Action Council, which is developing a Scoping Plan to guide New York’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving net-zero emissions, and increasing renewable energy use.
Furthermore, the NYS Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Project received a $60 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Led by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture and Markets, this project aims to encourage climate-smart practices among farm and forest landowners and connect their commodities to consumers through market development.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the importance of protecting farmland to ensure food security, mitigate climate change, and preserve natural resources.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
The targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed in the article, such as implementing resilient agricultural practices, integrating climate change measures into policies, and ensuring the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Number of acres of farmland protected
- Percentage of productive soils protected
- Categories of farmland protected (livestock or livestock products, viable agricultural land, field crops, climate resiliency, equine, specialty crops)
These indicators reflect the efforts to implement resilient agricultural practices, protect farmland, and conserve terrestrial ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Percentage of productive soils protected – Categories of farmland protected (livestock or livestock products, viable agricultural land, field crops) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Percentage of productive soils protected – Categories of farmland protected (climate resiliency) |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Percentage of productive soils protected – Categories of farmland protected (equine, specialty crops) |
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Source: governor.ny.gov
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