More than $6 million awarded to conserve over 2,000 acres of New York farmland
More than $6 million awarded to conserve over 2,000 acres of New ... Niagara Frontier Publications
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Gov. Kathy Hochul Announces $6 Million in Grants to Strengthen New York’s Agricultural Industry
Date: Fri, Sep 22nd 2023
During Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the allocation of over $6 million in funding to enhance New York’s agricultural sector through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program. These grants will be used to support eight projects aimed at safeguarding a total of 2,014 acres of farmland across the state. The initiative aims to preserve agricultural land, ensure the long-term sustainability of farming operations, and promote carbon sequestration on these lands, thus contributing to the state’s climate goals.
Importance of Protecting Farmlands
Governor Hochul emphasized that the protection of farmlands is crucial not only for preserving the environment but also for maintaining the economic viability of New York’s agricultural industry for future generations. The program provides farmers with the necessary support to conserve their land while expanding market opportunities. This enables them to continue producing and selling high-quality food, beverages, and products that sustain local communities. The funding awarded to deserving farms will help protect their farmland for years to come, while simultaneously making progress towards the state’s climate goals.
Expansion of Farmland Protection Program
This marks the 19th round of the state’s Farmland Protection program. Last year, the program expanded its funding criteria to align with the state’s top priorities, including food security, climate resiliency, and source water protection. Furthermore, eligibility criteria were expanded to include the agroforestry, equine, and wine sectors. In the latest expansion, three new categories have been added: field crops, livestock or livestock products, and access to farmland. The inclusion of access to farmland aims to address the challenges faced by new and retiring farmers.
Administration of the Program
The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Interested parties can submit grant applications on a continuous basis until all funds have been awarded. The program provides various grant opportunities to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts to implement farmland protection activities in line with local agricultural and farmland protection plans.
Local Impact
The Western New York Land Conservancy is one of the recipients of the grants, receiving $119,220 to protect 54 acres of farmland with 89% productive soils on Tower Farm under the specialty crops category.
Support from Agricultural Leaders
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball highlighted the significance of farmland as a vital natural resource. He emphasized that the Farmland Protection Program not only helps preserve land and rich soils but also supports farmers in sustaining their operations and way of life. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring a consistent food supply for New Yorkers and people worldwide while meeting climate goals.
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher emphasized the importance of protecting farmland from encroaching development. Preserving farmland contributes to the quality of life for all New Yorkers by maintaining open vistas and providing environmental benefits. Fisher expressed appreciation for Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to the farmland preservation program, which incentivizes the long-term viability of farms.
Mikaela Perry, the American Farmland Trust New York Policy Manager, acknowledged the role of farmland protection in combating climate change. Protected farms serve as a foundation for farmers to implement climate-smart practices that benefit communities with fresh, local food, healthy soil, and clean water and air. Perry commended the farmers, land trusts, and the state of New York for their dedication to farmland protection and expressed a desire for continued collaboration to ensure land availability for future generations.
Conclusion
The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program plays a crucial role in preserving New York’s farmland and supporting the agricultural industry. By providing financial assistance to various entities, the program enables the implementation of farmland protection activities aligned with local agricultural and farmland protection plans. The grants not only facilitate the purchase of development rights but also support other implementation activities such as amendments to local laws affecting agriculture and covering transaction costs related to donated agricultural conservation easements.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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 discusses the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, which aims to strengthen New York’s agricultural industry and protect farmland. This is connected to SDG 2, which focuses on achieving zero hunger and ensuring food security. It is also connected to SDG 13, as protecting farmland contributes to climate action by preserving carbon sequestration potential. Additionally, it is connected to SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore ecosystems and promote sustainable land use.
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.
- 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.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to sustainable food production systems, climate change integration, and 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?
- Number of acres of farmland protected
- Number of awarded projects
- Percentage of productive soils protected
- Amount of funding awarded
- Number of farmers supported
The article mentions the number of acres of farmland being protected, the number of awarded projects, and the percentage of productive soils protected. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of sustainable food production systems, climate change integration, and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, the amount of funding awarded and the number of farmers supported can also be used as indicators of progress.
4. 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. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Number of awarded projects – Amount of funding awarded – Number of farmers supported |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Number of awarded projects – Amount of funding awarded |
| 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. | – Number of acres of farmland protected – Number of awarded projects – Percentage of productive soils protected |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wnypapers.com
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