By Blake Jackson
A pilot program in New York is helping farmers adopt sustainable practices by providing financial incentives for implementing cover crops and reducing soil tillage.
This initiative, the New York Outcomes Fund, aims to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and minimize nutrient runoff.
Tom Corcoran, a farmer participating in the program, found it particularly beneficial for his leased land, where the costs of implementing these practices were previously prohibitive. "It was the shot in the arm I needed," Corcoran said, emphasizing the program's role in expanding sustainable practices across his 1,800 acres.
The program, led by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, enrolled 23 farmers across 14 counties, covering nearly 10,000 acres.
Participants received upfront payments to offset transition costs, funded by the Great Lakes Protection Fund and Cargill. This financial support reduced the risk associated with adopting new farming methods.
Colleen Klein, executive director of a local growers association, highlighted the program's straightforward approach and immediate rewards. "Our growers are always looking to improve their practices and their ground, the land they leave behind, but at the end of the day, it has to be economical," Klein explained.
Alan Martinez, the project lead, emphasized the program's focus on building relationships and knowledge, not just providing financial aid. "This wasn’t just about cutting checks to farmers, this was an investment in relationships, in landscapes and knowledge," Martinez said.
The program's success stemmed from extensive engagement with farmers, attending over 300 stakeholder meetings to understand their needs and challenges. "We took seriously the need to co-create in developing a solution for greater adoption," Martinez noted.
Farmers reported significant benefits, including improved soil health and reduced erosion. "We want to leave our farm and our rented ground better than when we got it. We want to be great caretakers," Corcoran said.
The program's impact extends beyond immediate environmental benefits, serving as a model for future initiatives. "There’s the hope that we can use the things we’ve learned," Martinez said, aiming to inspire broader adoption of sustainable farming practices.
By focusing on the value to farmers, the program has demonstrated a new approach to agricultural finance, shifting from subsidy to stewardship. "When people ask me how we got this to work, I always say that we centered on one thing, which was value to farmers. That’s it," Martinez concluded.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: New York, General