Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a record level of $67 million is available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) Program to help farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. This is the highest level of funding being offered in the program's near 30-year history, which is seeing an increase with funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. The Farmland Protection program supports perpetual agricultural conservation easements to preserve New York’s seven million acres of farmland, promote sustainable farming practices, and ensure the long-term viability of the State’s agricultural industry.
“As we get ready to celebrate three decades of protecting New York’s farmland with the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant Program, we are more committed now than ever to preserving the State’s agricultural heritage and securing a sustainable food supply for future generations,” Governor Hochul said. “With a record-high $67 million available in this round, we are continuing to partner with our land conservation organizations, local governments, and our farmers to protect our valuable farmland, keep farms in production, and support our economy, environment, and community resilience.”
Commemorating its 30th anniversary in 2026, the Farmland Protection Program has, so far, helped preserve more than 134,800 acres of New York farmland through completed conservation easement projects totaling over $341 million on 447 farms. This milestone builds on legislation signed by the Governor in 2022, which set the goal to support and contribute to national efforts to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030.
Round 20 of the Farmland Protection Program will make funds available to projects aligned with the State's key priorities, including food security, climate resilience, and source water protection. Notably, eligibility criteria include 11 categories, such as field crops, livestock and livestock products, agroforestry, and farmland access initiatives. These categories aim to address ongoing challenges faced by new and beginning farmers, as well as retiring farmers, by improving access to farmland and promoting diverse agricultural operations.
As part of the funding awarded, nearly $6.4 million will be allocated to nine of the State’s economic development regions. New this year, the maximum award for any project has increased to $3 million. Round 20 also continues the one-time incentive payment of 10 percent of the value of the agricultural conservation easement being required for projects that meet climate resilience or source water protection goals.
Source : ny.gov