SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WBNG) — On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced more than $48.5 million for 43 farms to protect over 16,000 acres of agricultural land.
Funded through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, the effort supports the preservation of land made up mostly of productive soils.
Additionally, $1 million will help New York land trusts hire staff to advance farmland protection efforts. The announcement comes as the state marks the 30th anniversary of its Farmland Protection program.
“I am so proud that New York is a national leader in the protection of its farmland and support of its farmers,” Hochul said. “Over the years, we have carefully maintained and, during my administration, have grown the Farmland Protection program to continue to preserve our agricultural lands.”
The awards are part of a record $67 million made available in December 2025. The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act boosted funding.
State officials said round 20 focuses on food security, climate resilience and source water protection. It also aims to improve farmland access for new and beginning farmers as well as retiring farmers.
The maximum award increased to $3 million this round. Projects meeting climate or water goals can receive an incentive payment of 10% of the easement value.
Round 20 award recipients include Oechsner Farm in Tompkins County, which will receive $770,502 to protect its organic grain operation. The award, made through the New York Agricultural Land Trust, covers 89 acres of productive soils.
Since launching three decades ago, state officials say the Farmland Protection program has preserved more than 144,760 acres on 473 farms, totaling more than $355.8 million in program spending.
About 20% of the state’s land area, or nearly 7 million acres, is farmland.
More than $15 million remains available and will be awarded on a rolling basis. Interested applicants can find details on the Department of Agriculture and Markets website.
For a full list of projects awarded statewide, click here.
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