By Blake Jackson
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly $25 million in funding to support agricultural water-quality conservation projects across the state through Round 31 of the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (AGNPS).
The funding is intended to help farmers address environmental challenges while protecting natural resources and maintaining productive farmland.
The grants are supported by New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
A total of 127 applications were submitted during this funding round, with approximately $24.9 million awarded to county Soil and Water Conservation Districts working on behalf of farmers. Of that amount, $14 million came from the EPF and $11 million from the Environmental Bond Act.
“New York farmers are facing environmental challenges that can affect their farms and our natural resources. Our farmers need support to combat these challenges while protecting their farmland," Hochul said.
"Round 31 of our Agricultural Nonpoint Source Program will continue to provide funding for farmers to develop cost-effective solutions to protect our natural resources and maintain the productivity of their land,” Hochul added.
The AGNPS Program helps fund environmental planning and conservation practices that improve water quality and reduce agricultural runoff. Supported projects include manure-storage systems, nutrient-management practices, conservation cover crops, and vegetative buffers designed to protect streams and watersheds.
Since the program began more than three decades ago, over $250 million has been invested in on-farm conservation projects throughout New York.
“Preserving our natural resources is important to our farmers, who care deeply about their land and animals,” New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.
“The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Program, in partnership with our Soil and Water Conservation Districts, provides our farmers the critical funding needed to implement best practices on the farm that protect local waterways and ensure the health of their communities,” Ball added.
View here the regional funding allocation or access the full list of awarded projects.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: New York, Government & Policy