Greene County farms to receive $300K for conservation projects

GREENE COUNTY — The Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District is participating in Round 19 of New York's Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program, which will distribute $300,000 to county farmers to improve water quality and implement best management practices on their farms.

Seven projects on five farms will receive funding. The projects cover a variety of improvements aimed at protecting natural resources and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Round 19 projects include a covered cattle barnyard to reduce manure runoff, drainage and irrigation improvements on an organic vegetable farm, planting riparian buffers to reduce streambank erosion, a water pipeline to improve access for rotational grazing, and a sediment basin and drainage project to control runoff and reduce erosion.

Greene County SWCD began participating in the program in 2024, when $71,558 was distributed to two county farms through Round 18 to reduce erosion and minimize nutrient runoff. New laneways were constructed on a beef farm to keep cattle out of a stream, and a concrete barnyard was installed. A drainage and sediment basin project was also completed to reduce soil erosion in a crop field.

The district welcomes its participation in the AEM program because it provides farms outside the New York City watershed with access to funding for agricultural improvements.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the state Soil and Water Conservation Committee administer the AEM framework and associated funding programs at the state level. Local soil and water conservation districts work with farmers and conservation partners to implement the program. All information provided by participating farms is kept private.

Agricultural Environmental Management is a voluntary, incentive-based program available to all farmers through their local soil and water conservation district. AEM supports practical, cost-effective and science-based decisions that help farms meet their goals while protecting New York's natural resources.

Through participation, farmers can document their environmental stewardship and further their contributions to their communities, the food system, the economy and the environment.

AEM uses a five-tier system. Tier 1 begins with a questionnaire about the farm and basic contact information. Tier 2 assesses existing farm practices and identifies areas for improvement. Tier 3 develops a plan using best management practices (BMPs) to address potential environmental concerns. That plan is used in Tier 4 focuses to secure funding and implement those practices, while Tier 5 is a reassessment on how well the project is working.

The AEM program is also used in other state initiatives, including the New York State Grown & Certified Program. Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, that program promotes New York farmers and food processors who meet standards for food safety and environmental stewardship.

More information is available through the Agricultural Environmental Management Program and the New York State Grown & Certified Program.

Farmers interested in enrolling in AEM may also contact Alex at the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District at alex@gcswcd.com.