ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the availability of $20.5 million to aid farmland protection efforts and help prevent viable agricultural land from being converted to non-agricultural use. Eligible entities, including municipalities, counties, soil and water conservation districts and not-for-profit conservation organizations/land trusts, can apply for individual grants.

When offered in the past, the grant has been highly competitive, with requests for state assistance often exceeding available funds by a factor of three. The Department of Agriculture and Markets anticipates that an even greater number of proposals will be submitted this year because the grant has not been offered by New York State for several years.

The Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board is currently seeking applicants interested in applying for the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant. Applicants must be actively farming the property, have an appraised value for the farmland and be committed to placing a permanent land protection agreement on their farm restricting certain development rights.

Potential applicants should contact the Sullivan County agricultural planner, Melinda Meddaugh, at melinda.meddaugh@co.sullivan.ny.us, or 845/807-0527 to receive an application. All applications are due by Wednesday, July 9.