Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that approximately $25 million has been awarded to help New York’s farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. The funding was awarded as part of Round 31 of the State’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (AGNPS), which is being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (BA).
“New York farmers are facing environmental challenges that can affect their farms and our natural resources,” Governor Hochul said. “Our farmers need support to combat these challenges while protecting their farmland. Round 31 of our Agricultural Nonpoint Source Program will continue to provide funding for farmers to develop cost-effective solutions to protect our natural resources and maintain the productivity of their land.”
Through this latest round, Round 31, the Department received 127 applications for the AGNPS Program. A total of $24.9 million was made available to the State’s County and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which applied on behalf of New York farmers: $14 million is from the Environmental Protection Fund and $11 million is from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The AGNPS Program is marking its 31st anniversary, and so far, through 30 rounds of funding, more than $250 million has been awarded to on-farm projects.
“Preserving our natural resources is important to our farmers, who care deeply about their land and animals,” New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.
Source : ny.gov