New York farmers can now apply for funding to protect water quality – Finger Lakes Daily News

A record $25 million will be allocated to projects that help New York farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. This funding is provided through the state’s Ag Non-Point Pollution Elimination and Control Program, delivered through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

Applications for the program can be found here.

The Ag Non-Point Program provides funding for projects that focus on either environmental planning or the implementation of best management practice systems to protect New York’s watersheds. Projects include conservation measures such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams and conservation cover crops.

This final round of the program, Round 30, will provide a total of $25 million to the state’s county and soil and water conservation districts, which will apply on behalf of New York farmers: $14 million will come from the Environmental Protection Fund and $11 million come from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The Ag Non-Point Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has completed 29 rounds of funding to date $250 million was awarded for on-farm projects.

Application for the program and additional information are available on the Department of Agriculture and Markets website at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “It is incredible the progress we have made in the three decades this program has been available to our farmers. Our farmers have long been at the forefront of efforts to protect our natural resources and combat the impacts of climate change, and with Governor Hochul’s commitment to our agricultural community, we have been able to redouble those efforts. This year, we are proud to offer record funding through the Ag Non-Point Program that will help even more farmers implement best practices that conserve water and protect our waterways. An investment in our environment is an investment in our agricultural industry and this funding will help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.”

Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, said: “With $25 million supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, New York State is making strategic investments “To ensure that farmers and agricultural communities across the state are protected.” Strengthen their climate resilience and expand their ability to implement voluntary conservation practices to protect water resources for farms and downstream communities that experience more frequent and severe floods, droughts and are exposed to forest fires. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued commitment and investments in protecting the state’s waters, the funding announced today will continue to support economic growth and the health and resilience of New York’s farms and ecosystems.”

Project proposals will be submitted on February 24, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

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