We are thrilled to announce the news that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the New York Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act on Thursday, December 23, 2021. A broad coalition of environmental and agricultural organizations, including Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY (NOFA-NY), Scenic Hudson, and American Farmland Trust, supported the legislation.
The bill (A.5386A/S.4722A) is aimed at lessening the effects of climate change. It focuses on enhancing the health of soil on farms, protecting natural resources, and encouraging climate-resilient farming. It takes effect July 1.
- The state Department of Agriculture and Markets will define soil health and best practices.
- The department, the Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and other partners will encourage farmers to adopt the practices and provide support for farmers in adopting soil health practices.
“The Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act recognizes the vital role agriculture can play in helping the state achieve its climate goals,” said New York State Assemblymember Donna Lupardo of the legislation. “It starts off with the simple premise that the health and resiliency of New York’s agricultural soil is an important priority. Healthy soil produces healthier foods, mitigates climate change through carbon sequestration, and protects our natural resources. Sometimes referred to as regenerative agriculture, this bill is a first step toward encouraging a ‘culture of soil health’ in New York State. I’d like to thank Senator Hinchey for her partnership on this issue, and to Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of nurturing and protecting New York soil.”
“This legislation has for the first time linked New York farm, water quality, and climate change policies into a win-win-win strategy that will increase the resilience of farms and communities, protect water resources and expand the role of our farms in meeting state climate goals by storing more carbon in soils,” said David W. Wolfe, emeritus professor of plant and soil ecology at Cornell University.
“New York farmers and institutions have been leaders in advancing soil health practices, and this legislation allows the state to implement sustainable soil management at a much broader scale,” said Harold van Es, professor of soil and crop sciences at Cornell University.
The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett and Senator Michelle Hinchey.