The selected projects will reduce greenhouse gases by an estimated 68,495 metric tons of CO2e per year, or as much as eliminating almost 14,800 cars per year from the road.

“New York’s farmers are on the front lines of the fight against climate change and among the first to feel the devastating effects of extreme weather events that have become all too common in recent years,” Governor Hochul said. “Our Climate Resilient Farming Program gives farmers the resources they need to prepare for and respond to whatever weather events the future holds and continue their critical work contributing to our local economies, and producing fresh, healthy products for all New Yorkers.”

Launched in 2015, the Climate Resilient Farming Program supports the state’s agricultural sector in meeting its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Through six rounds of funding to date, nearly $20 million has been awarded to assist farms across New York state.

Projects awarded in Round 6 focused on Best Management Practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil health, and promote energy savings in the Capital Region, as well as Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York regions.

Projects also increase irrigation capacity and emphasize water management to mitigate the effects of periods of drought on crops and livestock, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding.

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts were awarded the grants on behalf of farmers in one of three tracks: manure storage cover and capture; riparian, floodplain, and upland water management; and Healthy Soils NY.

The following county Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the North Country region were awarded grants to assist farms to implement climate-related projects, totaling $1,736,148.:

– Essex SWCD was awarded $689,524 to assist six farms.

– Clinton SWCD was awarded $620,580 to assist one farm.

– St. Lawrence SWCD was awarded $426,044 to assist one farm.