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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced nearly $38 million is now available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. Since Governor Cuomo took office, the state has reinvigorated the program and committed historic investments, including doubling the funding in this latest round from last year - marking the highest level of ever offered through the program.

"By investing in the sustainability and growth of New York's farmland, we are protecting an important economic driver for communities across the state while providing opportunities for our agriculture industry to grow," Governor Cuomo said. "This unprecedented $38 million commitment to land preservation will ensure New York's vast farmland is used for agricultural purposes and remains protected for generations."

Municipalities, counties, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and land trusts are eligible to apply for individual grants of up to $2 million to help offset the costs of conservation easement projects that protect viable agricultural land from being converted to non-agricultural use. The Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program is funded through New York State's Environmental Protection Fund, which was included in the State Budget at $300 million for the third consecutive year.

"Protecting our farmland is vital to ensuring the continued growth of New York's agricultural industry," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our farmers provide world-class products to consumers in New York communities and beyond. We're committed to protecting and supporting agriculture with significant investments to expand opportunities and allow the industry to continue to flourish."

Since 2011 the state has invested more than $62 million in 82 farmland protection projects statewide. This funding opportunity continues the state's commitment to provide financial and technical assistance for farmland protection on a predictable two-year cycle. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' previous streamlining measures have resulted in significant reductions in the overall time needed to complete projects.

This year, to explore additional tools in preserving land for agricultural production, the state has included preemptive purchase rights as an eligible cost that may be partially covered through the grant program. This is the first time state financial assistance may be used toward this eligible project cost.

The Department has established certain criteria to guide the use of this unique easement provision in awarded projects. Preemptive purchase rights encourage agricultural land to remain in active production and to be sold to other farmers at its agricultural value. Certain requirements must be met in order for eligible applicants to use grant funding for these purchase rights, which will also provide a potential avenue for new and beginning farmers in acquiring land.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie said, "If we want to encourage the continued growth of New York's leading industry, we need to ensure there's available land for hardworking farmers and those who are looking to become involved in farming—especially our young people. I was pleased to advocate for this important funding and know that it will help conserve vitally important farmland that is key to the agriculture industry of today and tomorrow."

Round 16 of the Farmland Protection Program builds on New York State's continued land preservation efforts. Earlier this year, the Department announced $5.5 million is available through two new grant opportunities, first announced in the Governor's 2017 State of the State address, to help keep farmland in agricultural production. The funding will help applicants cover costs associated with obtaining and administering an Option Agreement Project. It will also help farmers identify available land through the development of local land inventories, inform landowners of programs and opportunities to protect their properties from conversion to non-farm uses, and expand outreach efforts to better connect willing landowners with farmers interested in leasing or buying their properties for agricultural production.

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