Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new $1.4 million Climate Resilient Farming grant pilot program created to support projects that mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture-related activities and increase the resiliency of farms throughout New York State in the face of a changing climate.

“New York State is a leader and national model when it comes to dealing with the effects of climate change and this funding further strengthens that standing,” Governor Cuomo said. “This first-ever grant program addresses the need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of farms, while also enhancing the ability of those farms to recover after severe weather events which have become an all too frequent reality.”

As part of Governor Cuomo's 2015 Opportunity Agenda, funding is being made available to agricultural projects which develop and implement best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. Additionally, funding is available to projects that help agricultural producers prepare for and better manage the impacts of climate change like increased heavy rain storm events and periods of drought.

The launch of this program follows the announcement where Governor Cuomo, joined by Vice President Al Gore, unveiled four major actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York State. These nation-leading environmental and clean energy initiatives will help New York homes, businesses and universities invest in clean energy, drive economic growth across the state, and protect the environment.

Several other new climate-focused initiatives were also announced during New York State’s Climate Week which took place during September 22-29. These included $175 million for five large-scale clean energy projects to increase electricity generation from renewable energy sources, a $35 million project to make Roberto Clemente State Park’s Harlem River waterfront greener and more storm-resilient, and a $3 million clean energy competition for colleges and universities in New York State.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “As a farmer, I understand the challenges faced when it comes to our changing and sometimes extreme weather conditions. This grant program will not only help farmers across the state better deal with the historic severe flooding and droughts that we have seen, but also do all we can to make sure we are being good stewards of the environment.”

Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Dale Stein said, “The Soil and Water Conservation Committee is proud to work with our partners, including the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and most importantly farmers to build on the strengths of our Agricultural Environmental Management framework to enhance resiliency and reduce emissions on farms across New York State.”

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will apply for the competitive grants on behalf of farmers. Applications must be submitted for one of the following project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare systems; on-farm riparian, floodplain, and upland water management systems; and soil health systems. Funding for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program comes from the 2015-2016 New York State Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Applicants for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program must submit their proposals through the Grants Gateway system at https://www.grantsgateway.ny.gov by 4:30 p.m., December 14, 2015.