New York has committed more than $240 million over the past five years to support environmental protection efforts on farms, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced during Earth Week, pointing to expanding programs aimed at improving soil health, water quality and climate resilience.
The funding supports a range of statewide initiatives, including the Climate Resilient Farming Program and Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, along with direct aid to county soil and water conservation districts.
State officials said the investments are helping farmers adopt practices that reduce runoff, limit pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions, while also strengthening long-term agricultural productivity.
Among the largest allocations, more than $52 million has gone toward methane reduction projects, while $22.5 million has supported cover crop planting to improve soil health and reduce erosion. Another $2.8 million has funded the installation of streamside buffers to protect waterways.
Officials estimate that cover crop programs alone now support about 250,000 acres statewide, helping to remove the equivalent of more than 14,000 gas-powered vehicles’ worth of emissions annually.
The state has also invested more than $76 million in local soil and water conservation districts, which work directly with farmers to plan and implement conservation projects and environmental best practices.
Environmental and agriculture leaders said the programs are critical to balancing farm productivity with sustainability goals, particularly as the state works to address climate change and protect natural resources.
The announcement comes as part of a broader push to expand environmental funding, including support through the state’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
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