NY fund drives regen Ag adoption in great lakes

By Blake Jackson

The New York Outcomes Fund, launched in January 2023, aims to revolutionize agriculture by promoting regenerative practices in the Great Lakes region. This pilot program, led by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability in collaboration with various partners, has enrolled 25 growers across 10,000 acres in Western and Central New York.

Addressing a key challenge - how to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices - the program offers financial support and technical assistance. This empowers farmers to implement practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage, leading to environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality, and enhanced soil health.

Key findings:

• The program surpassed its initial target of 1,000 acres, enrolling 10,000.
• It's estimated to generate 6,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions, alongside reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.
• Financial and technical support are crucial for overcoming hurdles faced by farmers transitioning to regenerative practices.
• Collaboration across various sectors - farmers, educators, conservationists, and private entities - is vital for innovation and scaling such initiatives.

Future steps:

• Exploring the program's scalability and relevance to other agricultural sectors like dairy.
• Researching additional environmental markets including biodiversity.
• Aligning with state and federal conservation efforts for broader impact.
• Serving as a model for sustainable and impactful regenerative agriculture initiatives.

The New York Outcomes Fund showcases the potential of innovative financial solutions and partnerships to drive positive change in agriculture. As the pilot progresses, it holds promise for becoming a model for wider adoption of regenerative practices, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape.

To learn more about the New York Outcomes Fund, visit http://www.nyoutcomesfund.com.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer