Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program - Round 19

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has released a funding opportunity under the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) Program for Round 19, specifically supporting Agricultural Conservation Easement Projects. The program is authorized under Article 25-AAA of the Agriculture and Markets Law and provides financial and technical assistance to eligible local entities to implement agricultural and farmland protection plans. These efforts are part of the state’s broader strategy to preserve the economic viability of agriculture, prevent the conversion of viable farmland to non-farm uses, and enhance landscape preservation and environmental values. This round of the program makes a total of $47.25 million available, including a $2.25 million contingency fund for unanticipated cost increases. Funding is distributed across ten geographic regions within New York State, each allocated $4.5 million. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline; awards are issued continually until funds are exhausted or the RFA is formally closed. Beginning March 31, 2024, any remaining funds may be distributed statewide without regard to regional allocations, based on the order of eligibility determination. Eligible applicants include county agricultural and farmland protection boards with approved plans, municipalities with local farmland protection plans, not-for-profit conservation organizations, and soil and water conservation districts, all subject to specific endorsement and planning documentation requirements. Each project must involve a perpetual agricultural conservation easement on viable agricultural land at risk of non-farm development. The easement must be consistent with specific templates or provisions approved by the Department and must align with local or county farmland protection plans. The grant supports a variety of project types across different farm operation categories, including but not limited to Agroforestry, Climate Resiliency, Equine, Food Security, Livestock, Specialty Crops, and Source Water Protection. Project costs eligible for reimbursement include the appraised value of development rights, title and legal fees, surveys, appraisals, stewardship fees, and incentive payments in limited cases. Award ceilings vary, with a maximum award of $2 million for most projects, and $500,000 for those also seeking federal farmland protection funds. A match requirement exists, ranging from 12.5% to 75% of total project costs depending on the award structure, and may include in-kind or cash contributions. Applications must be submitted through the New York State Grants Gateway and must adhere to specific formatting and content requirements. These include site plans, conservation easement drafts, environmental and soil health assessments, and verification forms. The evaluation process includes preliminary and final deliverable phases, with structured payments issued based on completion of milestones. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible and complete applications, with unsuccessful applicants given the opportunity to revise and resubmit. Each awarded project will follow a four-year contract term, though successful deliverables could lead to completion within two years. The grant timeline begins with a contract approval and is followed by stages of preliminary review, file submission, and final report. The Department may terminate the award if project conditions do not meet required standards during site visits or review. The program includes oversight provisions such as compliance with SEQRA, FOIL, and the Master Contract terms. Additional guidance is provided through Department policy documents that applicants are encouraged to consult during application preparation.

Ensure all land planning and easement language aligns with NYS guidance and Article 25-AA; flexibility in farm operations is prioritized; avoid overly restrictive land use plans.