The DLC was awarded $2.67 million through New York State's Farmland Protection Program for the conservation of vital farmland in Dutchess County. On Monday, January 15, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the awarding of $5.5 million to conservation organizations for the protection of farmland. $2.67 million of those funds were awarded to the DLC to protect 462 acres of Dutchess Farmland. Agricultural property being preserved includes ongoing livestock, dairy, and horse-boarding operations. Funding was provided through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program. The program is helping to keep agricultural land in production, ensuring the long-term viability of New York's farming operations, and strengthening New York's agricultural industry. The FPIG program has helped preserve 113,650 acres of New York farmland through completed conservation easement projects totaling more than $273 million on 385 farms.
“The State’s Farmland Protection program provides funding for conservation easements that protect the very foundation of our agricultural industry,” Governor Hochul said. "This program and its expanded eligibility and focus on state priorities gives even more farmers the opportunity to conserve their land and protect their operations from development pressures. By protecting our farmland, we can help ensure the viability and success of New York agriculture for generations to come."
The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts to enable them to implement farmland protection activities consistent with local agricultural and farmland protection plans. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program and its associated grant opportunities.
