The loss of 2,800 NY farms is tragic not only for the farming families and communities in which those farms reside but also enormously damaging to the agricultural economy, wildlife corridors, and our region’s ability to respond to increasingly extreme weather events.
- Cover crops and rotational grazing can reduce the emission of excess carbon dioxide as well as increase soil health to absorb flood waters. Farms are helping to slow down the impacts of extreme weather and climate change.
- Drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors are conserving water resources during periods of drought, strengthening farm viability.
- Agricultural agreements (technically referred to as agricultural conservation easements) are flexible to allow for farm innovation and diversification of income streams. The farm remains on the tax rolls.
- The farmer continues to own and manage the land. The land can be leased, bequeathed, or sold, and the conservation
easement runs with the land.
Throughout New York State and the Tug Hill region, local families know how important agriculture is to our way of life, economy, and a network of conserved lands for wildlife and water quality.
Together we can conserve these critical lands while there’s still time.