ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 6 that nearly $33 million will be awarded to not-for-profit conservation organizations to protect valuable farmland. The land totals to be 12,356 acres and includes 33 farms across the State.
The conservation project is through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program. More than 118,400 acres of New York farmland have been conserved so far with the help of FPIG.
“New York’s farmland and our rich soils across the State are precious resources, providing us open space and supporting the production of the food we eat,” Governor Hochul said. “By protecting our farmland, we can help ensure the viability and success of New York agriculture for generations to come, which is why this year’s budget again included significant funding for the Farmland Protection Program."
The Finger Lakes Region will be awarded $18,936,083 for 7,049 acres which includes farms in Wyoming County, Genesee County, Yates County, Livingston County, Wayne County, and Ontario County.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Protecting our farmland is at the core of our work at the Department to grow the agricultural industry, strengthen the food supply chain, and combat climate change. By preserving our valuable agricultural lands from development pressures, we’re maintaining this significant resource for our next generation and helping farmers growing and producing various crops and commodities to reinvest in their operations.”
The FPIG program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts to support their implementation of farmland protection activities.
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