New York State unveils $25 million funding initiative to help farmers strengthen water quality protection efforts

New York – New York State is making a major new investment in protecting water quality while supporting the long-term strength of its agricultural industry. State officials announced that $25 million is now available to help farmers carry out projects designed to reduce pollution, safeguard waterways, and promote environmentally sound farming practices across New York.

The funding was announced by New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, who said the money will be distributed through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program, commonly known as the Ag Nonpoint Program. This marks the second consecutive year of record-level funding for the program, which is supported by both the Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

“For over three decades, our Ag Nonpoint program has seen tremendous success, helping farmers implement best practices to protect our waterways. We’re excited to see even more funding dedicated to this program for the second year in a row through the Bond Act, helping us to continue investing in projects that will not only ensure the health of our environment but also help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable,” Commissioner Ball said.

The Ag Nonpoint Program focuses on reducing pollution that comes from diffuse sources, such as runoff from farm fields, rather than from a single pipe or discharge point. These nonpoint sources can carry nutrients, sediment, and other materials into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes, affecting water quality downstream. By funding conservation planning and on-farm improvements, the program aims to address these challenges before they reach New York’s waterways.

Read also: Joint law enforcement effort results in arrest after months-long narcotics investigation in Geneva

Projects eligible for funding include a wide range of conservation measures. These may involve nutrient management systems such as improved manure storage, the creation of vegetative buffers along streams to filter runoff, and the use of cover crops to protect soil and absorb excess nutrients. Environmental planning efforts are also supported, helping farmers design systems that are both environmentally effective and practical for their operations.

This latest funding round, known as Round 31, will make the full $25 million available to County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which apply on behalf of farmers in their communities. Of that total, $14 million comes from the Environmental Protection Fund, while $11 million is provided through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Applications and program details are available through the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website.

The Ag Nonpoint Program has a long track record in New York. Last year marked its 30th anniversary, and over the course of three decades, more than $275 million has been awarded to on-farm projects statewide. During Round 30 alone, funding supported 109 farms and 25 county Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Approved projects included plans covering more than 12,000 acres of cover crops, the construction of 31 agricultural waste storage systems, and the establishment of 25 forested buffers designed to protect nearby waterways.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the continued investment, noting the connection between clean water and a strong agricultural economy. “Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to safeguard water quality and boost New York’s agricultural economy through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the Environmental Protection Fund, and innovative programs that build lasting partnerships to protect our waterways. DEC applauds State Agriculture’s latest $25 million now available to build upon the Ag Nonpoint Program’s proven success in helping more farmers implement effective environmental protection strategies in their communities,” Lefton said.

Officials emphasized that the program relies heavily on collaboration at the local level. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts play a central role by working directly with farmers to plan, design, and implement conservation practices tailored to local conditions. This approach ensures that projects are science-based while remaining practical and cost-effective for individual farms.

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chairman Matt Brower said farmers have consistently shown both a need for the program and a willingness to participate. “In the past, farmers in New York have demonstrated a need for the funding from the Ag Nonpoint Program to protect water quality on and off the farm. They have also demonstrated a willingness to install the conservation practices necessary to address water quality issues, when the funds are available. Not only are we fortunate to have the funds available to the farmers, but we are also fortunate to have the Soil and Water Conservation District staff available to assist the farmers with the planning, design, and installation of the practices,” Brower said.

State lawmakers also voiced strong support for the funding announcement. Senator Michelle Hinchey highlighted the role farmers play as environmental stewards. “New York farmers are the leading stewards of our natural resources, and everything we can do as a state to support them in that work is essential. These grants mark a second year of record investment in the Ag Nonpoint program, and we’re thrilled to provide this support to help New York farmers implement projects that protect our lands and waters while making their operations more resilient,” she said.

Read also: Gillibrand and Senate colleagues press Trump administration for answers over diversion of federal agents to immigration enforcement

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo echoed those sentiments, pointing to the importance of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in turning funding into real-world results. “New York’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts work hard to protect our natural resources. Fortunately, the Ag Nonpoint Source Program delivers the resources they need to develop effective on-farm solutions for NY’s farmers. This latest round of funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and now the Bond Act is an opportunity to support farmers in implementing water quality conservation projects across the state. Thank you to everyone involved for their shared commitment to environmental stewardship at this important time,” Lupardo said.

The Ag Nonpoint Program is administered by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets in coordination with the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. The program is managed through the department’s Division of Land and Water Resources, which focuses on protecting farmland, conserving natural resources, and encouraging proactive environmental stewardship across the agricultural sector.

The program also operates within the broader Agricultural Environmental Management framework. This statewide initiative helps farmers improve environmental performance while maintaining efficient and economically viable operations. Through AEM, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts guide farmers through a structured planning process, identifying areas where improvements can be made and matching those needs with proven conservation practices.

Supporters say this integrated approach allows farmers to meet regulatory requirements, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen their businesses at the same time. By relying on science-based assessments and local expertise, the program aims to deliver lasting benefits for both agriculture and the environment.

The funding announcement also aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader climate and clean energy agenda. Under her leadership, New York has expanded investments in programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural resources, and strengthen community resilience. Agriculture plays a key role in those efforts, particularly when it comes to soil health, water management, and climate adaptation.

During Earth Week this year, the governor announced that nearly $125 million has been dedicated since 2020 to on-farm projects that conserve natural resources, address climate change, and protect soil and water quality. The State Fiscal Year 2025 Budget further reinforces that commitment, providing $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund for agricultural programs, an increase of $4 million over the previous year.

That funding supports initiatives such as the Ag Nonpoint Program and the Climate Resilient Farming grant program. It also includes additional resources for Cornell Soil Health, a $750,000 increase for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and continued investment in climate resilience efforts. New initiatives, including the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition, are also receiving support to direct funding toward regional agricultural and resilience projects.

The voter-approved Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 remains a cornerstone of these efforts. The $4.2 billion bond act is designed to modernize aging water infrastructure, protect water quality, reduce air pollution, and preserve farmland and natural habitats. It also aims to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand extreme weather events, such as flooding and severe storms, which are becoming more frequent as the climate changes.

Applications for the current round of Ag Nonpoint funding are now open, with proposals due by April 20, 2026. State officials encourage interested County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to work closely with farmers to identify projects that can deliver measurable water quality benefits while supporting farm productivity.

As New York continues to balance environmental protection with economic growth, state leaders say programs like Ag Nonpoint demonstrate how targeted investments can achieve both goals. By supporting farmers in their conservation efforts, the state aims to protect its water resources, strengthen rural communities, and ensure that agriculture remains a vital and sustainable part of New York’s future.