New York State is offering $26 million in new grant funding to help farmers cut emissions, improve water quality, and adapt to climate change.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the dual grant programs on Sept. 30 as part of the state’s broader effort to protect farmland, waterways, and rural communities. The money will be split between the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) Grant Program and the Ecosystem Based Management Program, both administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
“These are smart investments that will not only protect and improve water quality and ensure a cleaner, more resilient New York, but they will also support the economic viability of our state’s agricultural industry for generations to come,” Hochul said.
$24 million for on-farm environmental projects
The CRF Program, now in its ninth year, will provide $24 million to help farms:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve soil health
- Prepare for extreme weather like flooding and drought
Funding is available for projects in four categories:
- Livestock management – including waste and feed improvements
- Climate adaptation and resiliency – to handle severe weather
- Healthy Soils NY – for carbon sequestration and water retention
- Agroforestry – tree planting and forest management on farmland
So far, the CRF program has supported 580 on-farm projects, estimated to cut over 571,000 metric tons of CO2 — equal to taking more than 133,000 cars off the road for a year.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply on behalf of local farmers. Applications are due Nov. 17 at 5:00 p.m.
$2 million for stream and watershed protection
An additional $2 million is available through the Ecosystem Based Management Program, which targets off-farm water quality issues such as:
- Stream restoration
- Riparian buffer planting
- Roadside runoff control
- Public education
These projects aim to reduce erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and keep New York’s waterways healthy.
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