ONONDAGA COUNTY — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that more than $48.5 million will help protect 16,005 acres of farmland across 43 farms in New York.
The funding comes through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, which is celebrating its 30th year supporting New York’s farmers. More than $32 million will go to farmland in the Finger Lakes region, protecting nearly 12,000 acres.
“I am so proud that New York is a national leader in the protection of its farmland and support of its farmers. Over the years, we have carefully maintained and, during my administration, have grown the Farmland Protection program to continue to preserve our agricultural lands,” Hochul said.
The state is also providing $1 million to help build staff capacity within New York’s land trusts to further support farmland protection efforts. The Farmland Protection program supports perpetual agricultural conservation easements to preserve farmland, promote sustainable farming practices and ensure the long-term viability of the state’s agricultural industry.
The announcement was made at Heer Farm in Onondaga County, where Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball joined the Heer family, representatives from the New York Agricultural Land Trust and state officials to celebrate an award supporting the protection of 230 acres of farmland on the more than 100-year-old Heer Farm. More than $15 million is still available and will be awarded on a rolling basis.
A full list of awarded projects is available here.
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