On June 25, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $13.8 million in funding to help more than 200 farms across New York implement enhanced soil and water conservation practices, which in turn will protect New York State’s waterways. These competitive grants were awarded to 32 county soil and water conservation districts, and were provided by the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

With these competitive grants, county soil and water conservation districts will be able to address water quality challenges facing farms in priority watersheds throughout the state. Conservation districts have developed plans tailored to a farm’s goals and watershed needs. Districts now will work with farmers to implement conservation best management practices such as nutrient management systems, barnyard runoff management, pasture management and soil health management.