By Blake Jackson
The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP), awarding a total of $1.34 million to support innovative technologies and farming practices across New York City’s West-of-Hudson Watershed.
Funded by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the competitive grant program encourages watershed farms to adopt advanced equipment, precision agriculture tools, and sustainable management practices that improve environmental protection while strengthening farm operations.
Applications were reviewed by an independent evaluation committee, with projects selected based on innovation, environmental impact, practicality, long-term farm viability, and their ability to serve as demonstration models for other producers.
The program provides funding through three primary categories:
- Soil Health and Cover Crop Equipment: Supports equipment that improves soil quality, reduces erosion, and enhances nutrient management.
- Agricultural Drones and Custom Services: Expands the use of drone technology for precision agriculture and aerial field management.
- Innovative Equipment and Precision Agriculture Technology: Encourages adoption of advanced tools that improve operational efficiency, environmental performance, and long-term sustainability.
Several farms received funding for technologies such as no-till drills, interseeders, precision planting systems, drone equipment, robotic poultry housing, compost turners, health-monitoring systems for livestock, manure aeration systems, precision sprayers, electric cultivation tractors, and remote grazing collar systems for cattle, sheep, and goats.
To evaluate project performance, WAC will partner with Cornell University’s Farmers DataLab. Over the coming years, participating farms will work alongside researchers to monitor project results, collect data, and share practical findings with producers throughout the region.
“We are excited to support farmers who are willing to test and demonstrate innovative approaches that can strengthen both environmental stewardship and agricultural viability,” said Connor Young, WAC Agricultural Program Manager.
“These projects represent an investment in the future of watershed agriculture and will help generate valuable information that can benefit farms across the region.”
For complete information, click here.
Photo Credit: watershed-agricultural-council
Categories: New York, General