New York Invests Big in Farmland Protection

By Blake Jackson

New York State has announced a major investment in farmland preservation, awarding more than $48.5 million to 43 farms through its Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program. The funding aims to protect valuable agricultural land, support farmers, and ensure that productive farmland remains available for future generations.

An additional $1 million has been awarded to land trusts across the state to increase staffing and strengthen efforts related to farmland protection. The announcement comes as New York celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Farmland Protection Program, a long-running initiative focused on preserving agricultural land and supporting rural communities.

“I am so proud that New York is a national leader in the protection of its farmland and support of its farmers. Over the years, we have carefully maintained and, during my administration, have grown the Farmland Protection program to continue to preserve our agricultural lands,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

She added, “Through the Bond Act, which we championed and New Yorkers approved, we have invested even more in our Farmland Protection program in this round, providing record funding to this monumental program to ensure our farmers can keep their land forever in agriculture and pass it on to their families, all while preserving our rural landscapes and the long-standing agricultural heritage New York is known for.”

The latest funding round will help protect more than 16,000 acres of farmland across New York. These protected lands contain productive soils that are important for crop production, livestock operations, and other agricultural activities. Officials say the investment will help prevent farmland from being lost to development while preserving the state's agricultural heritage.

The FPIG program supports agricultural conservation easements, which permanently protect farmland and keep it available for agricultural use. These easements help farmers continue operating their land while ensuring that future generations can use the property for farming.

The funding is part of a record $67 million investment made available through Round 20 of the FPIG program. The increased funding was supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. While many projects have already received awards, more than $15 million remains available and applications are still being accepted on a rolling basis.

State officials highlighted that the program plays a key role in addressing several important priorities, including food security, climate resilience, and water resource protection. Projects supported through the program cover a wide variety of agricultural sectors, including field crops, livestock production, agroforestry, and farmland access initiatives.

The current funding round also focuses on helping new and beginning farmers gain access to farmland while supporting retiring farmers who want to ensure their land remains in agricultural production. By making farmland more accessible, the program helps strengthen the agricultural industry and encourages long-term farm success.

Nearly $6.4 million of the total funding has been dedicated to projects across multiple economic development regions. In addition, the maximum award available for individual projects has increased to $3 million, giving organizations and farmers greater opportunities to pursue large-scale protection efforts.

Since its launch 30 years ago, New York's Farmland Protection Program has preserved more than 144,760 acres of agricultural land through completed conservation easement projects. The state has invested more than $355.8 million in 473 farms during that period, creating one of the most extensive farmland preservation efforts in the country.

Supporters of the program say farmland protection provides long-term benefits for farmers, local economies, consumers, and the environment. Protected farmland contributes to local food production, preserves open spaces, supports wildlife habitats, and helps maintain rural landscapes.

Alongside the farmland protection awards, New York announced a new Staff Capacity Grants Pilot Program. Through this initiative, six land trusts will share $1 million to hire new employees or expand existing teams. The goal is to improve the ability of local organizations to manage farmland protection projects and accelerate conservation efforts.

Organizations receiving support include Genesee Valley Conservancy, Saratoga PLAN, New York Agricultural Land Trust, Orange County Land Trust, Western New York Land Conservancy, and the Agricultural Stewardship Association.

“For 30 years, the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program has helped New York farmers protect the land that sustains their farms, our food supply, and our rural communities. Farmers are dedicated stewards of the land, continually building on time-tested conservation practices while embracing new technologies to improve sustainability and farm viability," said New York Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Renée St. Jacque.

She added, "As we celebrate the program’s 30th anniversary in 2026, we recognize the importance of protecting productive farmland today to ensure it remains available for future generations.”

Agricultural leaders and conservation groups have welcomed the investment, noting that preserving farmland is critical as farmers continue to face challenges such as climate change, economic pressures, changing consumer demands, and development pressures. They say the funding will help ensure that productive farmland remains available for food production while supporting the long-term success of farmers and rural communities.

With agriculture accounting for nearly seven million acres, or about 2% of New York's land area, officials believe continued investment in farmland protection is essential. As the program enters its fourth decade, state leaders hope the latest funding will strengthen agricultural sustainability, support farm families, and preserve valuable farmland for generations to come.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer