Governor Hochul highlights over $240 million investment strengthening farm environmental protection and local conservation efforts across New York during Earth Week

New York – During Earth Week, a moment when environmental awareness sharpens across communities, Kathy Hochul stepped forward with a sweeping update on New York State’s investment in sustainable agriculture. The announcement carried weight not just in numbers, but in its broader message: over the past five years, more than $240 million has been committed to strengthening environmental protections on farms while supporting the local institutions that make those efforts possible.

The figure itself—$240 million—reflects a sustained and deliberate push to reshape how agriculture intersects with climate responsibility. Since 2021, funds have flowed into a network of programs designed to help farmers adapt, innovate, and ultimately reduce their environmental footprint. These programs include the Climate Resilient Farming Program, the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, and the Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program, alongside direct support for County Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

At the center of the announcement was the governor’s reaffirmation of the state’s long-term environmental ambitions.

“We are committed to making New York State a leader when it comes to environmental protections and fighting climate change,” Governor Hochul said. “We have not only maintained high levels of funding for critical programs that help our farms with environmental sustainability, but we have also boosted those programs through the Bond Act, thanks to New Yorkers’ support of this targeted investment in our communities. With over $240 million helping our farmers implement real solutions on their farms over the last five years, we are protecting our waterways, enhancing our soil, and offsetting carbon emissions, paving the way for a cleaner, greener New York.”

The statement underscores a broader strategy that has taken shape over time—one that blends financial backing with technical guidance and local partnerships. Much of this progress has been accelerated by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, which has provided additional resources, particularly for the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program.

Behind the numbers lies a layered distribution of funding. Approximately $65.3 million has been allocated through AgNPS rounds 26 through 30, while the Climate Resilient Farming Program has received $82.9 million across its sixth through ninth rounds. Another $15.8 million has supported the Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program, and $76.75 million has been directed toward state aid for Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

These allocations are not abstract. They translate into real-world changes on farms—changes that influence how soil is treated, how water is protected, and how emissions are managed.

Richard A. Ball highlighted the tangible nature of these efforts, pointing to the growing adoption of practices that directly improve environmental outcomes.

“The work being done on our farms across the State to sequester carbon, protect water quality, and promote healthy soils is incredible. Our Soil and Water Conservation Districts are such important partners in our environmental goals, helping our farmers to plan for and implement these best practices that not only conserve our natural resources but also help give our farms an economic boost. Cover crops are a great example of this, with more farms across the state adopting this approach to help reduce erosion and runoff, absorb excess nutrients, protect groundwater, and so much more. We are grateful for the additional funds the Bond Act is providing to our AgNPS program specifically, which is helping us to further our reach to even more farms.”

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Among the most visible outcomes of this investment is the expansion of cover crop use. These crops—planted after the main harvest—play a quiet but critical role. They stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and improve nutrient retention during months when fields would otherwise lie bare.

New York’s support has enabled farmers to plant cover crops across roughly 250,000 acres. The environmental payoff is substantial. These fields are expected to sequester about 62,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, a figure comparable to removing more than 14,000 gas-powered vehicles from the road for a year.

Yet the benefits extend beyond carbon capture. Cover crops also act as natural filters, absorbing excess nutrients before they can reach waterways, and adding organic matter back into the soil. Over time, this improves soil structure and fertility, reducing the need for synthetic inputs and supporting long-term agricultural productivity.

Water protection has also been a major focus. Investments in riparian buffers—vegetated strips along waterways—have helped reshape how farms interact with nearby streams and rivers. These buffers serve as protective barriers, reducing runoff, filtering pollutants, and stabilizing streambanks.

Over the last five years, state funding has supported the installation of 409 acres of riparian buffers, covering nearly 100 miles. The impact is both immediate and long-term: cleaner water, reduced erosion, and improved habitat conditions for aquatic life.

Meanwhile, efforts to reduce methane emissions have gained momentum, particularly through the Climate Resilient Farming Program. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is often associated with manure management in agriculture. By investing in systems such as storage covers, separation technologies, and flare systems, farms are finding ways to significantly cut emissions.

The state has invested $36.4 million in methane reduction projects through the CRF program alone over the past five years, leading to an estimated reduction of 400,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. When viewed over the life of the program, nearly $94 million has been dedicated to climate-resilient farming initiatives, with a large share directed toward methane mitigation.

The Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program has added another layer to this effort. With $15.8 million awarded to 22 farms, the program supports innovative approaches to manure and feed management, with an expected reduction of 120,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.

Amanda Lefton emphasized the importance of these coordinated efforts in protecting natural resources.

“The implementation of nonpoint source agricultural practices are critical to restore and protect New York’s water resources and soil health. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, these investments will help to ensure farmland protection while helping our agriculture economy thrive. DEC commends the Department of Agriculture and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts for their continued success implementing the Climate Resilient Farming and Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Programs through their local partnerships, technical expertise and on the ground support.”

Central to all of these initiatives are the 58 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts spread across the state. These districts act as the bridge between policy and practice, translating funding into actionable plans tailored to local conditions.

Since 2021, more than $75 million has been invested in these districts. Their role extends beyond technical assistance—they work directly with farmers to design and implement conservation strategies that align environmental goals with economic realities.

Their work is often quiet, but the results are measurable. Over the past five years, Soil and Water Conservation Districts have supported a wide range of projects, including wetland restoration, erosion control, and irrigation system improvements. These efforts contribute not only to environmental protection but also to the resilience of farming operations.

Matt Brower offered a firsthand perspective on the impact of these programs.

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“The funds that have been provided to farmers through Climate Resilient Farming and the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Programs have helped them install conservation practices that they might not have been able to install otherwise. I can’t say enough about the benefits from using cover crops. We have used cover crops on our farm for several years and I keep looking for new ways to incorporate the practice into our crop rotation. We have noticed that, not only is it an effective way to control erosion, protect water quality and improve soil health, but it also benefits wildlife in the area. With the expert assistance from the Soil and Water Conservation District, it is one of the most effective of all conservation measures to adopt.”

The scope of achievements reflects a broad, coordinated push. Wetland restoration projects have covered 445 acres, enhancing wildlife habitats and strengthening floodplain resilience. More than 10,500 acres have been managed using residue and tillage practices designed to reduce runoff and improve soil health. Streambank and shoreline protection projects have extended over 13,000 feet, while irrigation systems have been upgraded across tens of thousands of feet of pipeline.

These efforts are part of a larger framework administered by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, working in coordination with the Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Together, they oversee programs that align with the Agricultural Environmental Management framework, which aims to help farmers adopt environmentally sound practices without compromising productivity.

Support for these initiatives also extends to the legislative level.

Pete Harckham stressed the importance of sustained investment in agricultural sustainability.

“Investing in sustainable, resilient farming practices is essential to addressing the impacts of climate change. By properly nurturing the health of our soil, safeguarding our fragile water supply and reducing emissions, we are protecting our farmlands so they can continue to nourish communities and support good-paying jobs for generations. Thank you to Governor Hochul and my legislative colleagues for their commitment to the Environmental Protection Fund.”

Donna Lupardo echoed that sentiment, pointing to the measurable progress already being made.

“New York continues to make significant investments in on-farm environmental protection, working alongside our County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. By keeping the focus on soil health, water quality, and methane emission reduction, NY farmers are delivering measurable results in our quest to address the impacts of climate change. As we are striving to achieve the state’s climate protection goals, with these supports NY agriculture is already playing a vital role.”

Looking ahead, the state’s commitment shows no signs of slowing. The governor’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, with $83 million earmarked for agricultural programs. These funds are intended to expand existing efforts, support new initiatives, and continue building resilience across the agricultural sector.

The trajectory is clear: agriculture in New York is being reshaped not just by necessity, but by deliberate investment and policy direction. The emphasis on soil health, water quality, and emissions reduction reflects a broader understanding that environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity are not opposing forces—they are, increasingly, interdependent.

As Earth Week draws attention to the urgency of climate action, New York’s approach offers a detailed case study in how targeted funding, local expertise, and long-term planning can converge. The $240 million figure, while substantial, represents more than just spending. It marks a shift in how farming, conservation, and climate policy intersect—and how those intersections can be managed to produce lasting, measurable outcomes.