Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program To Award Over $2 Million In Funding In 2018

Over $2 million Climate Resilient Farming grant program funding will be available in 2018. The program was founded back in 2015 to help farms decrease their operational impression on the environment, as well as improve their readiness, and recovery from catastrophic weather events.

“Extreme storms and severe weather are new normal in New York and across the nation, and this funding will continue to protect our farms from some of the unpredictable ramifications of climate change,” Governor Andrew Cuomo explained. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing efficiency to promote energy savings, and protecting the health of our natural resources, these projects are valuable additions to New York’s efforts to become cleaner, greener and more sustainable for the next generation.”

Since its inception, $2.9 million has been awarded to 37 farms across New York State. The funding was used to address the lowering greenhouse gas emissions, encourage energy savings, explore water and soil quality issues, and boost on-farm resiliency in regards to climate change.

Farmers must put forth a proposal that focuses on agricultural waste storage cover and methane capture systems, water management systems, or soil health systems and then the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts apply for the grants on their behalf.

The application deadline is February 26, 2018, and funding will be allotted through the 2017-18 Environmental Protection Fund, which is funded at $300 million.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.agriculture.ny.gov.