$1.4 Million in Funding Awaded to the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced $1.4 million in award funding for the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture-related activities and increase the resiliency of New York State farms. The grants, which were announced during Earth Week, will support 11 projects on farms across five regions and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy savings and mitigate water and soil quality concerns in the face of climate change.

“New York leads the nation in environmental protection and this funding builds on that progress to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient state,” Governor Cuomo said. “This first-ever grant program will guard and protect New York’s natural resources, while also ensuring the continued strength and viability of our farms for decades to come.”

The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program is funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund and was first announced in October as part of Governor Cuomo’s 2015 Opportunity Agenda. The 2016-17 New York State Budget includes additional funding through the EPF to build on this first round and provide assistance to help agricultural producers prepare for and better manage the impacts of climate change like increased heavy rain storms and periods of drought.

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts were awarded the grants on behalf of farmers for one of the following project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare; on-farm water management; and soil health systems. For complete project details visit: www.agriculture.ny.gov 

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo