By Blake Jackson
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service New York has announced March 13, 2026, as the second and final batching deadline for applications seeking Fiscal Year 2026 funding through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easement.
Through this program, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides financial assistance to qualified conservation partners to help purchase agricultural conservation easements on privately owned farmland.
Eligible partners include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Native American Tribes that operate farmland or grassland protection initiatives.
Individual landowners cannot apply directly and must work with an eligible partner that submits the application to NRCS on their behalf.
ALE easements are designed to preserve productive agricultural land and safeguard important natural resources by limiting future non-agricultural development.
Participation is voluntary and allows landowners to retain ownership while ensuring long-term agricultural use of their property.
Land eligible for ALE funding includes privately owned cropland, pastureland, grassland, rangeland, and certain forestlands that support agricultural operations. These easements play a key role in maintaining working landscapes and supporting local food systems.
Additional details about eligibility and application requirements are available through NRCS New York. Interested partners or landowners may also contact Peter Gibbs directly at peter.gibbs@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: New York, Government & Policy