Municipal Agricultural and Farmland Protection Planning Grant

The Municipal Agricultural and Farmland Protection Planning Grant, provided by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, supports municipalities in creating and updating agricultural protection plans. Grants can cover up to $25,000 or 75% of project costs, requiring a minimum of 20% cash contribution. This initiative aims to enhance local agricultural support and safeguard farmland, fostering collaboration among municipalities for effective planning and resource management.

Overview
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has grant funds available to enable municipalities to develop agricultural and farmland protection plans.
The Department will provide state assistance payments to municipalities to develop or update local planning documents, including but not limited to the agricultural sections of comprehensive plans, land use regulations, and zoning ordinances. Local government can play a key role in creating a supportive business environment for agriculture by ensuring that these planning documents contain clear language that is supportive of the local agriculture industry and also assists in the protection of the farmland base within the community.Municipalities are eligible for grants up to $25,000 or 75% of the cost (whichever is less) for developing a local farmland protection plan. The local share of funding must be provided in at least 20% cash (no more than 80% in in-kind services) and any two municipalities may collaborate on an application for a planning grant.