$11.1 million will be used to fund 29 projects
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
The New York Department of Agriculture is investing $11.1 million into water quality conservation initiatives spread out among 22 districts that are expected to help 116 farms.
The funding will help farmers reduce and prevent water pollution, reduce erosion and limit runoff from entering New York’s waterways.
“Our County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) are great partners,” said Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball in a release. “They have been instrumental in helping our farmers protect our natural resources through environmental planning and implementation of projects that mitigate potential pollutants. Through this round of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program funding, we have been able to reach almost 120 farms and help their efforts in ensuring the health of New York’s waterways, agribusinesses and communities.”
Funded projects include:
- $502,210 to be used by the Allegany County SWCD to address conservation concerns on four farms around the Chenunda and Cryder Creek watersheds. Reducing pollutant levels in the creeks and maintaining the farms’ economic viability are among the key priorities.
- $644,820 for the Wyoming County SWCD to address sediment, erosion and nutrient issues on three dairy farms located within the Cattaraugus Creek Watershed. Waste storage and cover crops are among the strategies that will be used to keep pollutants and sediments out of the water.
A full list of funded projects can be found by visiting the New York State Soil & Water Conservation Committee.
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts on the New York Department of Agriculture investing in water conservation. Is your farm one of the nearly 120 that will be impacted directly by the funding?