Find your local Agents (SWCD, NRCS, Extension) to leverage NYS and federal $ to address climate

To leverage funding and information to implement  GHG mitigation, be sure to contact all three types of local resources

• Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) – find your local office, here
  • ask them for help on any local issue, including climate change adaptation, greenhouse gas mitigation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and many other kinds of resources
• Soil And Water Conservation Offices, by County
• 2022 Soil and Water Conservation District Directory
  • technical support to implement state funded practices
    • look for best management practices here
    • see the framework used for assessing and implementing in the state, here
  • agriculture cost-share funding examples
    • Climate Resilient Farming
    • Ag Non Pt
  • forestry cost-share funding examples
    • Regenerate NY
    • Trees for Tributaries
  • Energy efficiency programs by farm operation type
    • Fact Sheets (CCE + NYSERDA)
    • Incentives and Grants 
• Federal (USDA-NRCS-NY) Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • technical support, find your local agent here
  • reimbursement funding for implementing GHG reduction projects through traditional EQIP and a 3-year pulse of funds allocated through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act ($25 million to NYS farms from 2023-2025)
  • file a form 1200 to get a project in the pipeline

Interestingly, due to mandated privacy policies across agencies, each type of agent may not be able to connect you directly to the different programs – so be sure to learn about as many opportunities and ask them to help you to connect the dots to maximize dollars and sense!

Also, due to covid, there was high staff turnover – so be sure to ask around if a position is non-responsive (it might be vacant) and someone will fill the gap.