Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $25 million has been allocated to support water quality conservation projects for farmers across New York State. This marks the largest single round of funding in the history of the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (Ag Nonpoint), with funds provided by both the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and, for the first time, the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
“By tapping into our Bond Act funding, we are now able to expand our reach and support even more on-farm projects across the State through our Ag Nonpoint program,” Governor Hochul said. “Our farmers care deeply for the land they work, so it’s critical we provide them with the resources they need and deserve to safeguard our waterways while protecting our communities and our natural resources from climate change.”
The announcement took place at Van Patten Farms in Preble, Cortland County. There, local officials highlighted a project involving a 1.4-million-gallon nutrient storage and transfer system intended to improve nutrient recycling practices for crop production and protect water quality in the Tioughnioga River Watershed. The Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District is assisting with this project using funds from the Bond Act.
In total, 50 projects in 25 counties received funding through Round 30 of the Ag Nonpoint Program. These projects focus on environmental planning or implementing best management practices such as manure storage, vegetative stream buffers, and cover crops to protect watersheds throughout New York.
New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our Ag Nonpoint program has long been a well-known and robust resource to our farmers for three decades, helping our farmers to implement best practices that will conserve water and protect our waterways. Now, with an infusion of funding from the Bond Act, we are able to grow the program, investing in projects that will not only ensure the health of our environment but will also help ensure farms can remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, this latest record investment to protect water quality through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund will help make it more affordable for farmers to implement effective environmental strategies. Today’s $25 million strengthens DEC’s ongoing partnerships with State Agriculture, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and farmers to help prevent water pollution while also helping our agriculture economy thrive.”
Amanda Barber of Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District added: “Conservation and water quality improvement practices are important for farm viability and environmental health. We are fortunate to have the support of the state and the Ag Nonpoint Source grant program to help fund conservation work on our local farms.”
Steve Van Patten from Van Patten Farms noted: “Investments in environmental stewardship are important for the future of our farm. The Ag Nonpoint Source grant will help us improve our manure management and better utilize manure nutrients on the farm. We feel fortunate to have Soil and Water Conservation Districts supporting our efforts to improve our farm while protecting water quality for our community.”
A regional breakdown shows significant investments across areas including Western New York ($2.7 million), Finger Lakes ($7.8 million), Southern Tier ($4.6 million), Central New York ($5.5 million), Mohawk Valley ($1.5 million), North Country ($2.2 million), Capital Region ($264 thousand), and Long Island ($184 thousand). Projects range from improving watershed health in rural regions like Allegany County’s Genesee River Watershed—where four farms benefit—to urban-adjacent areas such as Suffolk County on Long Island.
State Senator Michelle Hinchey commented: “New York farmers are among the most dedicated stewards of our natural resources… These grants will help them expand that work while supporting their ability to grow fresh, local food that communities across our state depend on…”
Senator Pete Harckham said: “This historic investment in … [the] Program will help farmers … protect … fragile waterways…”
Senator Lea Webb stated: “As an advocate for sustainable agriculture… This investment… is not just a win for … farmers but … future generations…”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo emphasized: “Our Soil and Water Conservation Districts work diligently… For 30 years… [they have] provided them with … resources needed…”
Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said: “New York’s agriculture sector is a critically important segment of our economy… Our Soil & Water Conservation Districts are experts… I want to thank Governor Hochul…”
Matt Brower from New York State Soil & Water Conservation Committee remarked: “The funds awarded … make it possible for farms … install needed practices…”
David Fisher from NY Farm Bureau added: “Farmers are stewards of land…. This record-level funding … will help protect … allowing farmers … adapt new technologies as they become available.”
Of this round’s $25 million total award amount—$14 million comes from EPF; $11 million comes via proceeds from the Clean Water, Clean Air & Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act approved by voters in 2022.
Since its inception thirty years ago—and over 29 previous rounds—the Ag Nonpoint Program has distributed more than $250 million toward similar initiatives statewide.
The Department of Agriculture & Markets administers these programs alongside county-level soil & water districts under an Agricultural Environmental Management framework designed both for business sustainability & resource conservation.
Under Governor Hochul’s direction,the FY2025 budget increases EPF agricultural spending by $4M over last year, reaching $81.8M—with further investments targeting climate resilience farming grants as well as capital improvements overseen by soil & water districts.
Additionally,New York State’s broader climate agenda aimsfor net-zero emissions by 2050 through investments spanning energy infrastructure modernization—ensuring at least 35% benefit disadvantaged communities—and fostering green jobs growth statewide.
