First-ever regionally targeted farmland protection grant program provides funding for strategic preservation of agricultural lands.
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the awarding of $20 million in grants through the Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program to help local farmers protect valuable, at-risk farmland from future development and maintain the land’s use for agricultural purposes.
This unprecedented commitment is the state’s first-ever regionally targeted farmland conservation grant program. It will protect more than 5,600 acres of active farmland on 28 farms in seven counties through permanent conservation easements.
“Agriculture remains a key driver of our economy, and I am proud that we are continuing to support and protect New York farmers throughout the Hudson Valley,†said Governor Cuomo.
“This program provides vital resources to ensure these farmlands can remain in agricultural use today and in the years ahead. I am pleased we are awarding funding to these important projects, and I look forward to seeing them thrive for seasons to come.â€
The Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program provides funding to local partners, such as municipalities, counties, soil and water conservation districts and land trusts, to help landowners in the region protect viable farmland from being used for purposes other than farming.
It will protect more than 5,600 acres of active farmland. Sixty percent of that land has been designated by Scenic Hudson as a priority to protect in the Hudson Valley/ New York City Foodshed, which helps feed millions of people in that area.
According to a report from Scenic Hudson entitled “Securing Fresh, Local Food for New York City and the Hudson Valley: A Foodshed Conservation Plan for the Region,†New York City has an estimated $600 million or more of unmet demand for regionally produced food each year, with substantial demand coming from underserved communities.
Farms in the Hudson Valley provide the majority of food (approximately 90 percent) to GrowNYC Greenmarkets and also are significant suppliers to restaurants, groceries and other food outlets.
This grant program funds a wide variety of farm operations including produce farms, and dairy and cattle operations.
It has been widely supported by a diverse group of financing partners whose involvement will enable some beginning farmers to buy portions of this protected farmland at an affordable price.
For purposes of this grant, the Hudson Valley is defined as Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester counties. ■