There are state funds available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) Program. This statewide program supports locally-led farmland protection efforts and this grant opportunity is offering $26 million in state assistance.
Eligible applicants include:
counties with state-approved agricultural and farmland protection plans;
municipalities that have adopted a local farmland protection plan;
soil and water conservation districts; and
not-for-profit conservation organizations (referred to as “land trusts”).
For this grant opportunity, only implementation projects that result in perpetual conservation easements are eligible for funding, regardless of whether that transaction is for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR), or the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), or the donation of the full value of development rights.
For those of you who were unable to attend our Farmland Protection Meeting last week there may still be time! Below are the local land trusts that plan to submit applications for this grant. Many of our local land trusts have pre-applications that are the first step to the process. If you are interested in learning more about the program or submitting a pre-application contact the land trust that serves your area.
New York Agricultural Land Trust
Amy Olney
Farmland Conservation Program Coordinator
Covers all of Madison County
Pre-Application Required- See attached
Application Due April 29th
Cazenovia Area Community Development Association/ Cazenovia Preservation Foundation
Lauren Lines
Executive Director
Covers Cazenovia School District
Pre-Application Required- See attached
Application Due May 4th
Southern Madison Heritage Trust
Harvey L. Kliman, Ph.D.
Board of Directors, President
Covers townships of Brookfield, Eaton, Georgetown, Hamilton, Lebanon and Madison
http://www.smht.org/index.html
Individual Consultations Required for Application