American Farmland Trust Celebrates Key Wins in Final FY26 New York Budget

By Olivia Fuller

American Farmland Trust (AFT) announced significant achievements in the final FY26 budget, reflecting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support New York farmers and preserve agricultural land. These victories will provide substantial benefits to all New Yorkers. 

Securing Vital Funding for Protecting Farmland and Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers 

AFT commends the state’s leadership to prioritize farmland protection, land access, and farmland transition statewide. The final budget includes: 

• $25 million for agriculture and farmland protection activities, including capacity grants for land trusts, soil and water conservation districts, municipalities, and counties. This funding is part of a historic increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, which has grown from $400 million to $425 million. 

• $700,000 for the Farmland for a New Generation (FNG-NY) program, which connects transitioning farmers and new farmers seeking land. 

• Commitment of no less than $150 million in Environmental Bond Act Funding for Farmland Protection. 

These funds are crucial to keep land in agricultural production and not allow viable farmland to be consumed by development pressures. Continued support for the Farmland for a New Generation New York program is crucial for the sustainability and resilience of New York's agricultural sector. By facilitating the transition of farmland to new and beginning farmers, this program helps preserve the state's agricultural heritage and promotes a vibrant future for farming communities. 

Building Momentum for Farm to School Initiatives 

AFT is thrilled with the continued support for farm to school programs, including the continued allocation of $10 million for the 30% New York State Initiative and additional funds for expanding access to healthy, local food for schoolchildren. The final budget includes: 

• $10 million to reimburse sponsors of school lunch programs that purchase at least 30% of their food products from New York State farmers. 

• $1.5 million for the Farm to School Grant program, which provides services and expenses to further develop farm to school initiatives across the state. 

The final budget also included Universal School Meals for All. This is a significant win for Hunger Solutions New York and Community Food Advocates, who have worked to increase student access to healthy meals. Although the inclusion of breakfast did not make it into the final state budget, AFT will continue to advocate to expand the 30% Initiative to further support New York farms and increase access to farm-fresh foods for school children. The expansion of the 30% Initiative, in concert with Universal School Meals, can lead to a broader farm to school supply chain and ensure that the food available to students is produced locally. Expanding the 30% Initiative will further support farm viability and help New York farmers access institutional markets that are in their own backyard.  

Looking Ahead: Continued Advocacy and Support 

“We are encouraged by the progress made in the final budget and look forward to continuing our work with Gov. Hochul and the Legislature to ensure that New York remains a leader in agricultural sustainability and resilience,” said Julian Mangano, New York Policy Manager at American Farmland Trust. “Despite challenges from federal funding cuts that have impacted farmers and farm to school programs across the country, this budget reflects a strong commitment from the State to protect New York’s valuable farmland resources, support the next generation of farmers to steward the land, and feed kids healthy, locally grown food.”