Farmer chops alfalfa for hay. Dairy cropping systems that include alfalfa, a perennial legume, in the rotation help the soil improve in between corn silage production.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced record funding for agricultural stewardship programs; $28.75 million is now available for on-farm projects through the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) grant program. Round 8 of CRF, included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, provides critical funding that helps New York’s farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water, ensure soil health, and increase on-farm resiliency to the effects of a changing climate.

Under the CRF program, various funding tracks are available to support livestock management, water management, erosion control, soil health management, and agricultural forestry management projects.

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply on behalf of farmers. Project proposals are due by June 24, 2024.

Funding Opportunity Details:

Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) Grant Program:

  • $28.75 million available for on-farm projects
  • Funding supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting water, ensuring soil health, and increasing on-farm resiliency to climate change.

Applications must be for ONE of the following tracks:

  • Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management (NYS funds)
  • Track 1B: Manure Storage Cover and Methane Capture Projects (federal funds)
  • Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency (NYS funds)
  • Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and Best Management Practices that support soil health and agroforestry (NYS funds)
  • Track 3B: Soil Health Systems (federal funds)
  • Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (for carbon sequestration) (NYS funds)

Funding Sources:

  • State’s Environmental Protection Fund
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its NYS Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Project.

Application Process:

  • County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply on behalf of farmers.
  • The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities.
  • Project proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2024.