New York farmers gain $25M for water quality conservation

By Blake Jackson

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced a historic $25 million funding opportunity for agricultural water quality conservation projects.

This record-breaking funding, provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, is part of the Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (Ag Non-Point).

"It is quite incredible to see the progress we have made over the three decades this program has been available to our farmers. Our farmers have long been at the forefront of efforts to preserve our natural resources and combat the effects of climate change, and with Governor Hochul’s commitment to our agricultural community, we have been able to double down on those efforts," said Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

"This year, we are proud to offer a record level of funding through the Ag Non-Point program, which will help even more farmers implement best practices that will conserve water and protect our waterways. An investment in our environment is an investment in our agricultural industry, and this funding will help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”

The Ag Non-Point Program supports projects that focus on environmental planning and best management practices, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative stream buffers, and cover crops.

Round 30 of the program includes $14 million from the EPF and $11 million from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

Applications are open to County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which will apply on behalf of farmers, with a submission deadline of February 24, 2025.

Interim Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Sean Mahar, highlighted the program’s impact: “With $25 million supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, New York State is making strategic investments to ensure farmers and agricultural communities statewide are bolstering their climate resilience.”

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 budget reinforces her commitment with $81.8 million allocated to agricultural programs, reflecting increased investment in sustainable practices and climate resilience initiatives.

Additional details and applications are available at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities.

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