$33 Million to Help Protect Over 12,000 Acres of NY Farms Statewide

A shot of corn at a farm in Stockton, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently celebrated roughly $33 million in funding for 33 New York farms and not-for-profit conservation organizations, made available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program, to protect a total of 12,356 acres of vital farmland in all. 

“New York’s farmland and our rich soils across the State are precious resources, providing us open space and supporting the production of the food we eat,” Hochul stated of the funding. “By protecting our farmland, we can help ensure the viability and success of New York agriculture for generations to come, which is why this year’s budget again included significant funding for the Farmland Protection Program."

The $33 million is the third and final portion of conservation easements made available through the Round 19 program, which aims to strengthen farmland production, longevity of farm operations, and New York’s overall agricultural industry.

"American Farmland Trust applauds Governor Hochul and the legislature for investing in the permanent protection of New York’s farmland,” remarked American Farmland Trust New York Policy Manager Mikaela Perry of the funding. “Farmland Protection is a critical tool in building regional food security, contributing to healthy soils and clean water and air, and ensuring that land is available for future farmers. AFT congratulates our land trust partners and the 33 farmers protecting over 12,000 acres of farmland for working tirelessly to preserve one of our state’s most valuable resources for generations to come!”

The FPIG program offers crucial financial assistance to a variety of agricultural organizations, most frequently funding the purchases of development rights on individual farms, but also offering other implementation activities including amending local laws, covering donation transactional costs, and option agreements. 

“New York’s farmland is among the most precious and irreplaceable resources we have, and making it a state priority to protect it will help ensure it can continue to be the foundation of our food supply and a key partner in our fight against the Climate Crisis,” New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey commented of the funding. “The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program has helped our farmers and local land conservancies permanently save thousands of acres of vulnerable farmland. Congratulations to Dutchess Land Conservancy and Knapp Farm in my district and all the farms across New York that have received funding awards to protect their lands now and for future generations.”

Currently, the FPIG program helps conserve roughly 118,400 acres of New York farmland via finished projects at 397 farms totaling over $282 million.

"I'm proud that we once again prioritized the Farmland Protection Program in the state budget, helping to keep agricultural land in production and farmers in business,” noted New York State Assemblymember Donna Lupdardo of the funding. “The program is grounded in our commitment to NY’s agricultural economy, along with promoting climate resilience. Congratulations to all of the awardees; once implemented, together their projects will conserve over 12,300 acres of farmland. This important work is done on behalf of future generations."