The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced that $1 million is available to increase capacity within New York’s network of community-focused land trusts and local governments through the state’s first Farmland Protection Staff Capacity Grants Pilot Program. The program, which was announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address, will bolster organizations across the state committed to protecting New York’s farmland for future generations. The announcement comes as the State marks a milestone, celebrating its Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program’s 30th anniversary.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “As the foundation for our food supply, farmland is one of the most important natural resources we have. Protecting our land and our rich soils helps to ensure that farmers can continue to grow our food, strengthen our local food systems, plan for the future, and play an integral part in our fight against climate change. By providing these additional resources to our local project sponsors, who are our partners and the boots on the ground, we will be able to further expand our reach and enhance our ability to preserve more farmland across the State through our Farmland Protection Program.”
Linda Garrett, American Farmland Trust New York and New Jersey Regional Director, said, “As demand from New York farmers seeking to protect their farmland continues to rise, land trusts are facing growing workloads and increasingly complex projects. This moment is critical, as more than a third of New York’s farmers are at or nearing retirement age and own two million acres of farmland, a time when this land is most vulnerable. The Farmland Protection Staff Capacity Pilot Program will give local organizations additional staffing support to advance farmland protection more effectively – helping to save more farmland, improve affordability, and keep land available for farming for future generations.”
Source : ny.gov