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The Finger Lakes region will receive more than $11 million in state funding to help nearly 60 farms address the impact of climate change, according to Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement. This funding, part of New York’s Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, aims to make local agriculture more resilient to extreme weather, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and protect vital resources like water and soil.
As reported by WHEC-TV, the Finger Lakes will see $11,312,579 distributed across 57 farms—the largest share of the $25 million awarded statewide. Central New York follows, receiving over $6 million. In total, 133 farms in 23 counties are set to benefit from this latest round of grants.
The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program has supported 700 farms since its inception, helping reduce about 642,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to the report. The current projects are expected to cut emissions by an additional 67,677 metric tons each year, as noted by CBS 6 Albany.
The funding helps farms implement systems to manage manure and methane, adopt soil health practices like cover cropping, and develop water and forestry projects that increase carbon storage. The program is administered through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which work directly with farmers to put these projects into action.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting farmers as they face new environmental challenges. “Ensuring New York’s agricultural industry has resources to mitigate the effects of climate change is critical to not only protecting our environment but also maintaining the economic viability of the state’s agricultural industry for generations to come,” she said, as quoted by RochesterFirst.
The Finger Lakes’ leadership in securing these funds highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. State officials say about half of this year’s projects involve new participants, showing growing interest in climate resilience across New York.
Looking ahead, the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program is expected to continue expanding, supporting additional farms and innovative projects to address the ongoing impacts of climate change on agriculture throughout the state.