Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two grant programs totaling $26 million to help address climate change impacts and protect water quality across New York State. The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program will provide $24 million for on-farm projects that improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance water quality. An additional $2 million is available through the Ecosystem Based Management Program to assist the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts in safeguarding waterways and promoting long-term ecosystem health.
The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, now in its ninth round, supports agricultural projects and equipment purchases that reduce emissions and prepare farms for extreme weather events, including storms, heavy rainfall and drought. Funding is available across four tracks: livestock management, climate adaptation and resiliency, soil health improvement, and agricultural forestry management. Since the program’s launch, $69 million has been awarded to 580 projects, expected to cut more than 571,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the environmental impact of removing over 133,000 gas-powered cars for a year.
The Ecosystem Based Management Program focuses on projects that protect water quality and maintain the health of New York’s waterways. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts may apply on behalf of farmers for both programs, and projects must align with the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Agricultural Environmental Management priorities.
These funding opportunities aim to strengthen environmental protections, enhance farm resiliency and support sustainable agricultural practices while contributing to broader climate action goals across the state. Applications for the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program are due November 17, with Ecosystem Based Management Program submissions due December 8.
