“The success of New York’s agricultural industry directly impacts the strength of our economy and by protecting land and other precious resources, we are investing in our state’s future,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “As a result of the historic levels of funding in this year’s budget, we have been able to nearly double the number of acres protected, reach even more farms and help ensure the future vitality of New York farming.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Farmland Protection program. Under the Governor’s leadership, the State has not only reinvigorated the program, but also committed historic funding levels to farmland preservation.
The program is part of New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, which New York State’s 2016 Budget more than doubled, raising the funding level to $300 million. Funding for the Farmland Protection program itself increased by $5 million this year and built on last year’s historic investment in farmland protection, including the $20 million Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program.
Western New York projects include:
- $251,388 for the Western New York Land Conservancy which will permanently protect D&J Brawdy Farms, which is a 149-acre cash crop-vegetable operation located in Erie County. The property is comprised of 62 percent prime soils and 9 percent statewide important soils. This successful operation supplies fully 15% of all Eden Valley Growers produce and is the exclusive source of grape tomatoes to a local wholesaler who supplies most local grocers and restaurants. The farm has frontage along and serves as a buffer to Eighteen Mile Creek, a trout stream designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
- $448,634 for the Western New York Land Conservancy, which will permanently protect Triple Oaks Farms, which is a 312-acre dairy operation located in Erie County. The property is comprised of 1% prime soils and 12% statewide important soils. This 150-cow operation has been recognized every year since 2000, the inception of this recognition, by the Empire State Milk Quality Council with the Super Milk Award. It is only one of 47 farms statewide that have received this achievement. The farm has frontage along and serves as a buffer to Eighteen Mile Creek, a trout stream designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Since 1996, New York has awarded nearly $238 million for farmland protection projects, assisting local partners in 30 counties. To date, 236 projects have closed, protecting in perpetuity, more than 59,800 acres of farmland.
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