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American Farmland Trust is working to stop the loss of productive farmland and promote farming practices that lead to a healthy environment. Contact us for more information on what AFT's New York office can do to help protect farmland in New York state.
What's New
 On November 12, Governor Paterson proposed cuts to New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), including major reductions to the state’s Farmland Protection Program and Agricultural Nonpoint Source Program. The state legislature, however, did not act on the Governor’s proposal during their one-day session, preventing cuts to the current fiscal year budget. The proposed budget for FY 09-10, due out from the governor’s office on December 16, may again take aim at working land conservation programs as a measure to meet the state’s estimated $15 billion budget deficit. American Farmland Trust will be working closely with coalitions and partners to support new revenue streams, like the expanded Bottle Bill, while opposing cuts to the environmental programs that support the upstate economy and protect our natural resources.
Focus on New York
This Thanksgiving, AFT reminded readers of the Buffalo News about the gifts that farmland brings—both the edible gifts and those you can’t taste but always enjoy. Well-managed farmland protects water quality, provides wildlife habitat and grows fresh local food for New Yorkers, all while contributing to the economy of upstate New York. This holiday season, as this state and many others grapple with difficult financial decisions, remember the gifts that farmland provides for your community and take action to support it.
New York State Policy
 New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently announced $313,750 in funding to help 14 towns develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans. “Communities around the state are recognizing the need to proactively plan a future for farms,” said David Haight, New York Director of American Farmland Trust. For more information about the program, and to see which communities were funded in Round III, visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets web site.
In the final hours of the legislative session, the Senate and Assembly passed S.7908/A. 11511. AFT worked with a broad coalition of allies including Assemblyman Magee, Senator Young, Governor Paterson's office, farm groups and land trusts to advance this legislation that makes New York land trusts eligible for annual funding of up to $50,000 per organization for farmland protection projects. This increased capacity for local farmland protection efforts will help projects funded by the state's Farmland Protection Program to be completed more quickly. Read more outcomes of key state farmland protection priorities.
A new farm bill: what’s in it for New York?
After years of work, we have a new 2008 Farm Bill. What does it mean for you and your community? From the foods we eat, to protecting farms from development, to helping keep our drinking water clean, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 has many programs that affect all of us everyday.
The Apple as Planet Earth
Do you know how much of the earth is suitable for farming? Watch this short animated presentation and learn why protecting our farmland is so important.
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