Senator Gallivan Urges Farmers Impacted by Drought and Severe Weather to Apply for Funding

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is alerting local farmers to a state program to help them better cope with severe weather events, such as this year’s drought.  A total of $2.5 million is available in the FY 2017 State Budget through round two of the Climate Resilient Farming grant program to help farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and better prepare for, and recover after, droughts, floods and other extreme weather events.

“Our farmers have just endured one of the driest summers on record, resulting in natural disaster designations in more than a dozen counties, including Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Monroe,” Gallivan said.  “This program will help farmers better prepare for severe weather events like this that can have a negative impact on their business.  I encourage local farmers to apply for these grants.”

Through the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, the State's county Soil and Water Conservation Districts apply for the competitive grants on behalf of farmers. Funding will support agricultural projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help agricultural producers prepare for and better manage impacts of climate change, including increased heavy storm events, overall rainfall, and periods of drought. Applications must be for one of the following project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare systems; water management systems; and soil health systems.

Applicants for the Climate Resilient Farming Grants Program must submit their proposals through NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee: ( http://www.nys-soilandwater.org/index.html ) Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., December 12, 2016.

The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the Climate Resilient Farming grant program through its Land and Water Division, which works to protect New York's land and water resources through farmland protection, farmland conservation, and proactive environmental stewardship.                                                                          

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