New York Awards $67M to Protect Farmland and Farms

By Blake Jackson

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a record $67 million in funding through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) Program, aimed at helping New York farmers safeguard valuable and at-risk farmland.

This represents the highest funding level in the program’s nearly 30-year history, boosted by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

The program supports permanent agricultural conservation easements, helping preserve New York’s seven million acres of farmland, promote sustainable farming, and ensure the long-term viability of the State’s agricultural sector.

“As we get ready to celebrate three decades of protecting New York’s farmland with the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant Program, we are more committed now than ever to preserving the State’s agricultural heritage and securing a sustainable food supply for future generations,” Governor Hochul said.

“With a record-high $67 million available in this round, we are continuing to partner with our land conservation organizations, local governments, and our farmers to protect our valuable farmland, keep farms in production, and support our economy, environment, and community resilience.”

Since its inception, the Farmland Protection Program has preserved more than 134,800 acres through conservation easements on 447 farms, totaling over $341 million in completed projects. This effort aligns with Governor Hochul’s 2022 legislation supporting the national goal of conserving at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030.

Round 20 of the program prioritizes projects addressing food security, climate resilience, and source water protection. Eligible applicants include field crops, livestock, agroforestry, and farmland access initiatives, helping both beginning and retiring farmers.

Nearly $6.4 million will be distributed across nine economic development regions, with a new maximum award of $3 million per project. Projects meeting climate resilience or water protection goals may receive a one-time incentive of 10 percent of the easement’s value.

“New York has one of the longest standing Farmland Protection programs in the nation and I’m proud of the milestones we have accomplished so far," New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.

"With a record level of funding now available, with help from the Bond Act, we are doubling down on our commitment to New York agriculture by providing additional resources to preserve more farmland and secure farm operations for the future.”

Applications are open through the Statewide Financial System and will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer