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Electrify NY! Panel November 19, 2:30pm (free online registration)

Join us for a panel presentation of opportunities for NYers to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency and electrification!

 

Electrify New York (efficiency & electrification opportunities)

See also the Nov 20 companion hands-on Energy Expo: Featuring fossil-fuel-free equipment, tools, tech, & management strategies

 

 

PANEL: Electrify New York (efficiency & electrification opportunities)

Efficiency+Electrification = Improved Air Quality + Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions + Conserved NYS Natural Resources

In 2019, New York State passed ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigating legislation. Most of NYS’s greenhouse gas emissions come from combusting fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and transportation used in our personal and professional lives. Anything we can do in our local communities to reduce this fossil combustion improves our air quality, reduces GHG, and reduces the demand on rural landscapes to support renewable energy projects. Come join a panel of Extension, Community Organizers, NYS Office of Climate, and Technical Service Providers as we discuss opportunities that mobilize energy efficiency and electrification projects in our local communities to conserve our shared natural resources.

Panelists:

  • Overview: Integrating Multiple NYS Goals to Conserve our Finite Landbase –Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University
  • Farm Energy Efficiencies: Accessing Technical Support & Grants -Gabriel Gurley, CCE-Tompkins
  • Electrify Landscaping Equipment: Save Money, Energy, & Heath -Ken Estes, CCE-Livingston
  • Weatherize Homes: Save Energy, Reduce GHG, Protect Health -Josh Randall, CCE-Niagara
  • Efficiency Pilots: Life Changing Impact for Low Income Homeowners: Join a Manufactured Housing working group to help build policy in NYS -Danielle Eiseman, Dept of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University
  • pending, Steven Winter Associates, Multi-family building retrofit playbook
  • NYS Cap and Invest (NYCI) Program (zooming in) -Maureen Leddy, Office of Climate Change

 

Did You Know

Most of our Greenhouse Gas emissions come from fueling our buildings and transportation?

    • These emissions can be reduced dramatically by efficiency and electrification while improving equity and well-being for all.

 

 

Did You Know

In 2019, NYS passed unprecedented legislation: Reduce GHG emissions 85% by 2050?

 

 

This panel is part of the larger 3-day Cornell Cooperative Extension conference: Agriculture, Food & Environmental Systems In-Service (Nov 19-21, 2024)

DEFINITIONS:

  • Decarbonization: reducing or eliminating carbon (fossil fuel) emissions from a sector (transportation, buildings, and power).
  • Electrification: replacing technologies that run on fossil fuels with alternatives that run efficiently on electricity. It also means generating all that electricity from clean energy rather than fossil fuels.
  • Weatherization: home improvements that reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable (moisture control, air sealing, ventilation, and upgrades to insulation, doors and windows).

JOB: DoE, join the BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO) Renewable Carbon Resources Team

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Renewable Carbon Resources (RCR) subprogram as a Technology Manager (General Engineer/GS-0801-12 or Physical Scientist/GS-1301-12). BETO’s RCR subprogram works with public and private stakeholders to develop innovative technologies and conduct crosscutting analyses that can sustainably expand the availability and use of renewable carbon resources for biofuels and renewable chemicals production in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Renewable Carbon Resources (RCR) subprogram as a Technology Manager (General Engineer/GS-0801-12 or Physical Scientist/GS-1301-12). BETO’s RCR subprogram works with public and private stakeholders to develop innovative technologies and conduct crosscutting analyses that can sustainably expand the availability and use of renewable carbon resources for biofuels and renewable chemicals production in the U.S.

The individual will support portfolio management of projects from academia, the DOE national laboratories, and industry, and will help to execute the multi-year R&D vision and funding opportunities to achieve BETO and the RCR subprogram goals.

The RCR Technology Manager’s responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting the RCR Program Manager in developing long-term goals and objectives and establishing specific requirements and schedules for conducting research and analysis
  • Developing topics for potential inclusion in annual calls for proposals, reviewing proposals, and supporting technology review activities
  • Proactively managing projects for success
  • Preparing and presenting briefing materials
  • Preparing technical program documents

This position is located at DOE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. or the Golden Field Office in Golden, Colorado, and periodic multi-day travel is expected. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

The deadline to apply for this Technology Manager position is November 22, 2024.Learn more about the role and responsibilities, knowledge and skills required and how to apply.

View BETO’s website for additional job opportunities and bioenergy career resources.

Fall Webinar Series: Climate and Communities 2nd wed/month 1pm EST, free

Join us for 4 free webinars scheduled for this fall from across the United States.

WHEN:

  • 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • 1pm EST
  • Please register for each event of interest

Most events will be recorded and shared publicly here, after the event recording has been processed.

Scroll for more details about each event, below.

September 11, 1pm EST: YOUTH & Climate, all youth recordings Here!

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to engage youth with climate change: teaching the need to replace fossil fuels in our energy systems, programs to support youth climate digital app development, and working creating culturally inclusive curricula with indigenous communities.

TITLE: Where Does Gasoline Go? Why We Must Replace Fire in Our Energy System
PRESENTER: Don Haas (Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution)

Did you know a gallon of gasoline weighs about six pounds? Burning ten gallons of gas a week means sixty pounds seemingly disappear from the tank. What becomes of it, when placed in the context of 374 million gallons that we burn in the US every day, is an astonishing but undeniably true tale. Where does it go? Why should we care?

Key Resource: Climate & Energy Resources on PRI’s Earth@Home: https://climate.earthathome.org/

NOTE: PRI has online workshop in mid-October, and we can do workshops for groups. You can subscribe for announcements here: http://eepurl.com/goSjST

TITLE: Youth Power to Reduce Carbon Power
PRESENTER: Donna Nuger (4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension)

Nuger will discuss how youth are using their interest in technology and coding to increase awareness and inspire changes in people’s habits to decrease their carbon output, leading to a reduction in global warming.

TITLE: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Climate Change Curriculum with and for Indigenous People: Lessons Learned
PRESENTER: Ros McCann (Utah State University – Moab)

As part of a national science foundation project inspired by the NECI network, Ros will share her experience in building relationships with tribal members in the Colorado Plateau region. This will include an overview of how she formed a diverse team to co-create a climate change curriculum by and for Indigenous participants, what the curriculum entailed and the products that resulted from this process. Coverage here: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-helps-host-unique-and-indigenous-student-specific-natural-resource-leadership-program

Curriculum can be found here:Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Don Haas (formerly, Don Duggan-Haas) is the Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth & Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY. He is a nationally regarded expert in climate and energy education, place-based and technology-rich Earth and environmental science education; and is a past president of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He is co-author of the books, The Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change and The Science Beneath the Surface: A Very Short Guide to the Marcellus Shale. He strives to help others thrive in their teaching and learning, especially as related to climate and energy and he wants you to talk more about fire.

Donna Nuger joined University of Illinois Extension in 2004. During her tenure, she has focused on STEM and Youth Leadership. Environmental education field trips for youth in grades K-8 have ranged from the half day program, Pumpkin Day for the little ones to full day events like Natural Resources Day and multi-day events that included Environmental Science in Action with hands on research and career exploration. Nuger initiated and implemented 4-H Science Ambassadors that encouraged 4-H Teen Teachers and individual projects/research. Nuger has received and coordinated Ag Innovators Experience grants through National 4-H, funded by Monsanto/Bayer for Illinois. She looks forward to making future contributions in the area of climate change and ensuring that our youth have a healthy planet for their future.

Roslynn Brain McCann is a Professor & Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist in the Department of Environment and Society, College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. She teaches undergraduates Communicating Sustainability, helps lead the National Extension Climate Initiative, is the coordinator USU Extension Sustainability’s Utah Farm-Chef-Fork, the USU Permaculture Initiative, and Sustainable You! kids’ camps, co-leads the Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest, and is engaged in tribal climate change resilience.

October 9, 1pm EST: Empowering Communities: 1890 Land-Grant Institutions Tackling Climate Change, Recordings here. 

This hour long webinar will discuss the crucial role of 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in tackling climate change faced by underserved communities.

TITLE: The Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice:  Ensuring Resilience for Underserved Communities
PRESENTER: Alton Thompson (Executive Director, Association of 1890 Research Directors, ARD)

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and addressing it requires a strong commitment to research and development. For too long, environmental policy have failed to adequately address environmental injustice, particularly the unequal and cumulative effects of pollution and climate change on low-income communities and communities of color. Researchers at the 1890 land-grant universities, informed by their lived experiences of these communities, play a critical role in developing student leaders, advocates, while also supporting rigorous scientific analysis on issues like community and agricultural resiliency, climate adaptation and environmental justice.

TITLE: Leveraging AI and Innovation to Empower Future Leaders in Resource-Limited Communities
PRESENTER: Ali Fares (Professor of Water Security, Prairie View A&M University)

Dr. Fares’ academic program uses cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence to address resource challenges in the water-energy-food nexus for communities with limited resources. By training future leaders and professionals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through various outreach activities based on his research, Dr. Fares empowers them to tackle climate change challenges effectively and develop and implement sustainable solutions.

PRESENTER: Raymon Shange (1890 Extension Administrator, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension)

SPEAKER BIOS

Dr. Thompson provides leadership and coordination in representing ARD in developing multistate and national priorities and implementing a regional response for the 1890 system. In addition, Thompson promotes, articulates and advocates the priorities of the 1890 region’s research agenda within the framework of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Agriculture (NIFA), other federal agencies and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Thompson serves in an executive capacity on several committees and working groups focusing on legislative issues, federal, state and private appropriation of funds for 1890 multistate research and the long-term direction of established and developing 1890 universities initiatives. Key Resource: Foundation for Food Agriculture and Research (FAR)

Ali Fares is the Endowed Professor at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Texas and Chair of Water Security, Water Energy and Food Nexus. He is currently the editor of the Water Security Book Series.  He has edited two books and published 14 book chapters, over 20 conference proceedings, and over 74 articles in peer reviewed journals. His research interests include disaster preparedness and resiliency, flood prediction and mitigation, water security, water-energy-food nexus, watershed hydrology and management, water allocation, irrigation management, and adaptation and mitigation of climate variability. Currently he is doing research on Reducing Energy Barriers for Novel Water. Dr Fares’ research in artificial intelligence in agriculture as well as several inter-disciplinary, multi-institution projects, is supported by millions of dollars. His testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee urged federal support to address “specific climate change needs of the underserved farming communities and train future professionals in climate-smart agriculture discipline.” Key Resource: https://works.bepress.com/fares-ali/

Dr. Shange’s research and teaching interests encompass the areas of: Ecology (Agroecology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Ecology, and Ecological Engineering), Sustainable Agriculture, Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems, Rural Energy & Water, Natural Resource Management, Integration of Art, Science and Nature, and Environmental Ethics and Justice. He has been an 1890’s Extension Administrator since 2022.

November 13, 1pm EST: ELECTRIFICATION & Climate, Recording here.

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to understand how ‘electrification’ can save money, decrease greenhouse gases, and improve health and well-being in our daily lives.

TITLE: Electrification: Climate Action or Personal Benefit?
PRESENTER: Brian Stewart (Co-Founder of Electrify Now)

Whether your motivation is to fight climate change, improve the safety and comfort of your home, reduce your health risks, or lower your energy bills, the sensible actions are the same – electrify your home and personal transportation. We will discuss how the topic of electrification can be approached from multiple entry points that each might resonate with our audience in different ways to help them to take action.

Key Resource: Electrify Now webinars on all things electrification: https://electrifynow.net/electrify-coalition-webinars

TITLE: Electrify your Landscaping Equipment: It’s Clean, It’s Quiet, It’s Healthy 
PRESENTER: Mark Puhlman (Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, Board Member)

Tackling climate change can seem to be an overwhelming proposition. But there is a key strategy that can make a major impact: Electrify Everything. Transitioning gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric helps the community take meaningful action addressing climate change while also improving air quality and reducing harmful noise levels in our community. This short talk will discuss the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network’s efforts to encourage a small community in the state of Oregon transition from Gas-powered equipment to electric landscaping equipment. Included are actions that the individual citizen can take to advance the transition.

Key Resource: https://mailchi.mp/15638b3e0577/losn-sustainability-insider-april-2021

TITLE: Energy Circuit Riders Spur Clean Energy Progress in Rural New Hampshire
PRESENTER: Sarah Brock (Clean Energy New Hampshire, Energy Circuit Rider Program Director)

New Hampshire’s unique Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) program embeds clean energy experts in rural New Hampshire communities, providing capacity and technical support to get projects done. Hosted by nonprofit Clean Energy NH and funded through a mix of philanthropic and federal sources, the program is currently supporting over 180 community-based energy projects in over 80 towns. The ECR program also supports small businesses statewide in applying for USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, with grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Join us to hear reflections from the field: what works to spur community-based clean energy action, and what you can do to move projects forward in your own community.

Key Resource: Direct Pay / Elective Pay Guide

SPEAKER BIOS

Brian Stewart is a co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer organization devoted to educating energy consumers and homeowners about the health and economic benefits of electrification and the role that all of us can play to accelerate the world to clean renewable energy and a sustainable future. Brian has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.

Mark Puhlman is a board member of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, a volunteer organization of concerned citizens in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He holds a doctorate as a nurse practitioner and has worked in the area of heart failure for 45 years. He became interested in sustainability in high school but became very active in this area about 5 years ago after he retired. He is a Board Member of the Sustainability Advisory Board of Lake Oswego as well as a Board Member of the Forest Highlands Neighborhood Association. He has been involved in electrification and urban forest preservation.

Sarah Brock joined Clean Energy New Hampshire as Director of CENH’s Energy Circuit Rider Program in 2024. Sarah works with our growing team of Energy Circuit Riders to help municipalities and small businesses plan, finance, and implement clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Prior to joining Clean Energy New Hampshire, Sarah spent over a decade implementing community-based climate, energy, and transportation programming at Vital Communities, a nonprofit serving the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

December 11, 1pm EST: RESILIENCY PLANNING & Climate, Register here.

This hour long webinar will share three different examples for engaging resiliency planning in local communities.

TITLE: Building Climate Resiliency through Disaster Preparedness Education
PRESENTER: Kimberly Davis, Extension Emergency Management Specialist, FAMU Extension Disaster Education Programs, Florida A&M University (FAMU)

TITLE: Preparing Agents of Change for Tomorrow: Building Youth Confidence and Capacity for Climate Resilient Futures in Appalachia 
PRESENTER: Megan Kruger, Evaluation and Research Specialist and Environmental Educator, West Virginia University Extension

TITLE: Filling Gaps in Coastal Communities with Asset Mapping
PRESENTER: Jack Voight, Coastal Community Resilience Immersive Training (C-CRIT) Program, Americorps Assessment Coordinator

This talk will discuss experiences working with the C-CRIT program and the work we completed. It will describe future plans for the program and how it can be improved to best fit the needs of different coastal communities. Also describe what I learned about Jones County, North Carolina and specific barriers that hinder the county’s ability to build back with resiliency.

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Ms. Kimberly Davis is an Extension Agent/Emergency Management Specialist with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Family, Youth and Community programs/4-H Youth Development. Her areas of specialization include natural resources, environmental education, disaster preparedness and safety. She has over 25 years’ experience in coordinating STEM and environmental education outreach programs including the Kids Involved in Math and Sciences (KIMS) Program, and the Forestry and Conservation Education (FACE) Summer Program. She also worked over 10 years with the Florida Division of Emergency Management as an Environmental Scientist and Planning Manager. She holds a M.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences with a major in Environmental Sciences from FAMU.

Jack Voight is an undergraduate student and researcher from North Carolina State University. majoring in Environmental Engineering and researching as part of the Coastal & Computational Hydraulics Team with mentor Dr. Casey Dietrich. Jack was born and raised on the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

To see our previous webinars, please visit our YouTube channel

Spring 2024 Topics

YOUTH & Climate, Recording Here.

STORYTELLING & Climate, Recording Here.

DIY–Self-Guided Climate Instruction, Recording Here.

COMMUNITIES & Climate, Recordings Here: WA Latine Co-created Materials, PA Women Forest Owners

AGING & Climate, Recordings Here.

 

 

 

HOST: this “CONNECTING CLIMATE to COMMUNITIES” webinar series is hosted by National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI) Curriculum Working Group – a volunteer group looking to share resources amongst interested extension educators.

This program was curated by NECI CWG Active Volunteers Summer 2024

David Kay, Cornell University

James Shope, Rutgers University

Patricia Townsend, Washington State University

Rebecca Ward, NC State University

Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University

Join us or any NECI working group -learn more here: https://nationalextensionclimateinitiative.net/workinggroups/

***NECI is actively seeking a Communications Lead, please contact David Kay if you are interested.

Farmers+EXT+TA: Free Soil Health Training August 27-28 in Canandaigua, NY

American Farmland Trust (via Aaron Ristow) has a lovely invitation:
“We are seeking applicants for the New York regional Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT). The applications will be due June 21st. The first session begins August 27-28 in Canandaigua, New York.  Participants will be expected to attend (4) in-person 2-day trainings in the region between August 2024 and April 2025. The applications are now open. Please click on this link to access the application, and this link to review application guidelines. We’re hoping to attract a diverse applicant pool; please share the information about this training with anyone who you think might be a good fit!

The Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) is designed for corn, soybean, wheat, and dairy farmers and farm advisors who share an interest in improving soil health and who will share their knowledge and expertise with their clients, communities, and the next generation of farmers. We will prioritize these farms types, but all farm types/sizes should apply as we aim to fill all available spots. This hands-on curriculum combines classroom time with half-day visits to innovative local farms to see soil health practices in action.

This training will be led by soil health experts Barry Fisher, Brandon Smith, and Dennis Chessman, who have each had long careers in NRCS’ Soil Health Division, in addition to regional experts from Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, American Farmland Trust, and more. The training will address practical management challenges such as cropping systems for improved soil health; how to conduct a soil health assessment; cover crop management, (including selection, planting, termination, equipment, and more); new technologies, assessments, and products for soil health; and economic considerations. In addition to a certificate of completion, participants will also graduate with a completed Soil Health Impact Plan and guidance/resources for mentoring others in soil health practices.

This training is free of charge for all accepted applicants and includes a travel stipend to cover all costs. Although many free-soil health resources exist online, this is a unique opportunity to ask all your management questions to national and local experts in a hands-on, intensive experience. Farmers and farm advisors who choose to continue working as Soil Health Advisors will also receive a stipend for their work.

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. I can be reached at aristow@farmland.org or (315) 748-5029.

Kind regards,

Aaron

 

Funding! Round 8 Climate Resilient Farming Grants opened for NYS landowners! $28 million

RECORD INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS

 

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Provides Nearly $82 Million for Programs that Assist Farms to Implement Environmentally Sustainable Best Practices, Protect Soil and Water Quality, and Reduce Greenhouse Gases

 

Announces $28.75 Million is Now Available for On-Farm Projects Through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program

 

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today, during Earth Week, announced that as part of record funding being invested in the State’s agricultural stewardship programs, $28.75 million is now available for on-farm projects through the Climate Resilient Farming grant program. Round 8 of CRF provides critical funding that helps New York’s farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water, ensure soil health, and increase on-farm resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. Under the Governor’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget provides $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund, up $4 million from last year, for agricultural programs and initiatives, such as Climate Resilient Farming grant, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change.

 

“Our farmers work hard to feed our communities, producing food in a way that is also thoughtful about protecting our precious natural resources,” Governor Hochul said.  “The Climate Resilient Farming grant program is providing record funding to further assist our farmers and their Soil and Water Conservation Districts to elevate water quality and help New York State meet our climate goals.”

 

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today visited Providence Farm Collective in Orchard Park along with a number of agricultural partners, including the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, New York Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair, United States Department of Agriculture, the Western NY Land Conservancy, as well as elected officials and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for an Earth Week celebration and to announce the CRF program funding opportunity. Round 8 of the CRF program also offers record funding this year, nearly $30 million, double what was available in the last round of the program.

 

Providence Farm Collective was awarded funding through the Erie County SWCD and under Round 7 of the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) program to install an irrigation water management system, which, when installed will promote greater environmental efficiencies, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve on-farm resiliency to extreme weather events, such as drought.  Providence Farm Collective is a non-profit farm, which supports refugee, immigrant BIPOC and under-resourced farmers in Western New York by offering access to clean, rural farmland, farming and business education, technical assistance, access to markets, and, critically important, the opportunity to farm for income through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

 

During the visit, the farm shared its current environmentally sustainable farming practices, which includes growing cover crops, intercropping, and crop rotation for soil health; using high tunnels to extend the growing season; drip-line irrigation and water conservation practices; protecting its 37-acre home forever as farmland with an agricultural conservation easement, and more.

 

Funding for CRF Round 8 is provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and, for the first time, additional funding is being provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its NYS Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Project through the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program.

 

Awards will be made in the following tracks, which will assist projects related to livestock and manure management; water management and erosion control; and soil health management projects. Practices such as manure storage cover and methane capture projects, manure solid/liquid separation, prescribed grazing, cover crops, conservation tillage, irrigation, soil and water management structures, riparian buffers, tree planting, and many more are also eligible for funding.

 

  • Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management (NYS funds)
  • Track 1B: Manure Storage Cover and Methane Capture Projects (federal funds)
  • Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency (NYS funds)
  • Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and Best Management Practices that support soil health and agroforestry (NYS funds)
  • Track 3B: Soil Health Systems (federal funds)
  • Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (for carbon sequestration) (NYS funds)

 

This year’s program also includes a new funding track, Agricultural Forest Management, with approximately $1 million allocated to support healthy productive forests and afforestation on agricultural lands, goals that are a part of the New York State Climate Action Council’s Scoping Plan.

 

Through seven rounds of CRF funding to date, $36 million has been awarded to 396 farms that are estimated to deliver the equivalent of 454,000 metric tons of CO2e per year emissions reductions, equivalent to removing 108,053 cars from the road for one year.

 

The County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in NYS can apply now on behalf of farmers for these competitive grants. The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities. Project proposals are due at 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2024.

 

State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “Visiting Providence Farm Collective today, especially during Earth Week, helps us to shine the spotlight on our farms who are using best practices to ensure environmental sustainability and combat the effects of climate change.  With more than $60 million dedicated to the CRF program since its’ launch, we are seeing our farms, along with our Soil and Water Conservation Districts, implement a variety of projects that are addressing greenhouse gas emission reductions, carbon sequestration, and helping on-farm resiliency to extreme weather. Farm by farm, we are seeing significant progress in our collective goals to combat climate change, while also supporting our producers to remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”

 

Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York’s farmers are critically important stewards of our shared environment and are valuable partners in promoting resiliency and addressing climate change through land conservation, water quality improvements, and cutting-edge best practices. Thanks to the Governor’s continued record support of the Environmental Protection Fund, DEC and our agency partners like the Department of Agriculture and Markets are providing significant resources to mitigate and adapt to our changing climate’s impacts on agriculture and across our economy.”

 

New York State Soil and Water Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “The record level of funding being offered through the Climate Resilient Farming grant program this year is an exciting opportunity for our farmers and Soil and Water Districts, who are committed to improving soil health and protecting our waterways as part of our agriculture’s shared goals to combat climate change. The hundreds of projects completed across the State so far —from cover cropping and irrigation systems to manure storage covers—are not only benefiting our environment but also helping our producers to better prepare for and recover from the increasing number of extreme weather events are facing as a result of climate change.  We saw a great example of this today at Providence Farm Collective, and hope to keep this momentum moving forward across the state.”

 

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York farmers are on the frontlines of the Climate Crisis and need our continued support to scale the most effective methods for environmental stewardship and resilience against severe weather so we can continue to have a local food supply. The Climate Resilient Farming Grant program is instrumental in this effort, helping farmers across the state build soil health and protect our air and water. We’re especially excited about a new funding track for Agricultural Forest Management, which I was proud to push for along with increased support for climate-forward agricultural programs through the EPF this year.”

 

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Agricultural stewardship programs like Climate Resilient Farming are vital to protecting NY’s natural resources through planning and promoting best practices. They help farmers develop unique on-farm solutions to combat the climate crisis and its effect on their farm operations. I am especially pleased that our Soil and Water Conservation Districts received an increase in funding to assist with their important work at the county level. A special thank you to NY’s farmers who have continued to demonstrate their commitment to protecting our natural resources.”

 

Providence Farm Collective President and Executive Director Kristin Heltman-Weiss said, “Today as we celebrate Earth Week, Providence Farm Collective farmers and Commissioner Richard Ball are shining a light on the need for environmental sustainability and resiliency in agriculture and food systems, while also uplifting the need for farms to be economically viable. Through several climate resiliency farming grants received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Erie County Soil and Water Conservation, the Natural Resources Conservation Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture, PFC farmers have tools for managing the effects of climate change that include implementing best practices for irrigation and water management, nurturing healthy soils through cover cropping, crop rotation, onsite composting, access to no-till equipment, and minimizing tillage, installing low tunnels and high tunnels, and protecting our farmland forever through a conservation easement. In our values, mission and vision, we are committed to a holistic sustainability model that empowers and provides equitably for people, honors and cares for the health of the planet, embodies the purpose and values of the organization, and balances all of those with the need for financial viability.”

 

The State’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, through the EPF, included several agricultural initiatives, including funding for Cornell Soil Health, a $1.25 million increase for the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and continued funding for the CRF program along with the establishment of new initiatives such as the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition, which will direct key investments into the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition of Soil and Water Conservation Districts to support agricultural and resiliency-related projects on farms. This will also include support for farmers to invest in more cover crops, improve culverts to reduce runoff, and other investments to improve soil health and reduce water quality impairments in the region.

 

About NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, in coordination with the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, administers the Climate Resilient Farming Program through its Land and Water Division, which works to protect New York’s land and water resources through farmland protection, farmland conservation, and proactive environmental stewardship. The Climate Resilient Farming Program functions as part of the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) framework, a broader effort that helps farmers achieve higher levels of environmental stewardship and more efficient, cost-effective farming systems. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts use the AEM framework to assist interested farmers through planning and implementation to make science-based and cost-effective decisions. As a result, farmers can meet business goals while conserving the state’s natural resources.

 

Engineers: Learn about Covering Manure Storages to capture methane and flare it. April 23

April 23: A workshop for engineers to learn design considerations for Cover+Flare (C+F) systems on liquid manure storage to capture and destroy methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

For a really quick intro to the topic: please watch these 2 short presentations from a farmer and an engineer

And then, sign up for this program hosted by ProDairy.

Applied Agricultural Engineering Continuing Education Series – Cover+Flare Systems

DATE: April 23, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County

Register by April 17: Register Online

This continuing education series workshop features planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of plastic lined manure storages and cover and flare systems. Site visits to both a liner and cover with discussion will be held in the afternoon. These practices fit into the movement toward dairy farm sustainability that will be discussed from a processor’s perspective. We will also discuss the Professional Engineering process to develop a Water Withdrawal Permit in NYS.

  • Manure storage plastic liners: retrofits, design, and implementation
  • Manure storage plastic cover maintenance, based on manual and flare maintenance
  • Agency coordination for GHG mitigation
  • Dairy sustainability progress and opportunities
  • Water withdrawal permit requirements

$275 per person

Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Register Online

Youth Climate Career Summit on Wednesday, April 3rd – Westchester and Troy; April 19 – Morrisville

New York State will invest more than $40 billion in renewable and transmission projects over the next 10 years, resulting in the creation of more than 200,000 clean energy jobs.  How can you take advantage of this opportunity? All hosted by “Clean Energy Careers NY”

April 3 Westchester

April 3 Troy

 April 19 Morrisville

MORE FOR APR 3- WESTCHESTER

Westchester County is actively expanding its capacity in the Clean Energy sector to support current and future employers, as well as our residents.

  • This event aims to provide an engaging and informative platform for students interested in exploring career opportunities in the burgeoning field of clean energy and sustainability.
  • Participation is free and you can contact coordinator@greatersyracuseworks.com with any questions.
  • Youth, women, people of color, previously incarcerated individuals, veterans, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to attend.

Event Details:

Participants will:
  • Learn from clean energy industry leaders
  • Discover local training & education pathways
  • Network with clean energy professionals
  •  Connect with currently hiring employers and share your resume
Vendors will:
  • Meet qualified local workforce
  • Promote hiring and training opportunities
  •  Network with clean energy stakeholders
  • Showcase leadership and expertise
  • Youth, women, people of color, previously incarcerated individuals, veterans, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

MORE FOR APR 3- TROY

Are you a young person looking to enter the clean energy workforce? Check out the Youth Climate Career Summit on Wednesday, April 3rd from 9am to 6pm at RPI’s Sage Labs. This transformative event unites climate justice, clean energy, and sustainable careers into one event packed with opportunity. Sponsored by the NYSERDA Capital Region Clean Energy Hub, this free summit invites students, young professionals, and the public to explore lucrative opportunities in climate-related fields.

At this summit, you can look forward to:

👷🏼‍♀️ Panel discussions on sustainability research
👷🏼‍♀️ Participatory workshops
👷🏼‍♀️ Career networking opportunities
👷🏼‍♀️ A student club lunch
👷🏼‍♀️ Opportunities to display your own research

This free event could be your chance to launch or transition your career towards sustainability! If you are interested in this summit and other green career opportunities, sign up for Clean Energy Careers NY to receive event information, job opportunities, and more.

 

MORE FOR APRIL 19, MORRISVILLE

This event aims to provide an engaging and informative platform for students interested in exploring career opportunities in the burgeoning field of clean energy and sustainability.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2024
  • Event Venue: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Location: SUNY Morrisville Campus
  • More Info here: https://cleanenergycareersny.org/event-morrisville/
  • The day’s agenda will include:
    • Keynote Speaker: We have invited a prominent figure in the clean energy industry to share insights and experiences with the attendees.
    • Breakout Sessions: Participants will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions covering topics such as solar energy, wind power, and other renewable energy sources.
    • Lunch: A complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees, offering an opportunity for networking and informal discussions.
    • Tour of SUNY Morrisville’s Agricultural and Clean Energy Technology Center (ACET Center): Participants will have the chance to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn about innovative technologies and projects underway in the field of clean energy.
    • Interactive Sessions: Engaging activities and interactive sessions will be conducted to provide hands-on experience related to renewable energy and sustainability.
    • This event will not only inspire and educate students about the exciting career prospects in clean energy but also provide valuable insights for educators to incorporate into their curriculum.

Cover + Flare Farm Tours March 27 (West NY: LeRoy) and March 28 (Central NY: King Ferry)

This farm tour, presented by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be offered on two dates at two locations:

1 to 3 PM | March 27, 2024
Stein Farms
8343 Gull Rd
LeRoy, NY

1 to 3 PM | March 28, 2024
Fessenden Dairy
1049 NY-34B
King Ferry, NY

No registration is required.

 

Topics

  • See different covered storage designs
  • Speak with an experienced farm operator
  • Discuss design options, performance, maintenance, cost and funding opportunities

For more info, contact Jason Oliver, ProDairy.

https://cals.cornell.edu/manure-storage-cover-and-flare-farm-tours

Dairy Farms: Thinking about converting from sand to separated solids bedding? April 3 workshop.

This meeting is intended for:

  • dairy farmers that currently bed with sand or
  • dairy farmers who might be interested in separating their manure for  solids bedding and/or cover+flare to destroy methane from their liquid manure storage; and
  • SWCD, CCE, NRCS, TSP, etc. agents interested in helping these farmers make management decisions for their farm.
  • Recordings of the Event, Found Here.
  • Farmer Funding Worksheet, pdf found here: Infrastructure_FundingOps_2024NY.

 

Jump to individual talks:

1:09 – Why a farm might transition away from sand bedding. Jenifer Wightman, Senior Extension Associate, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section, Cornell University

25:38 – Separators and farm infrastructure for solids + liquids. Ken Van Syke, Farmer/Pikeside Ag Machinery

1:13:46 – Cow Health (sand vs. solid bedding). Lindsay Ferlito, CCE North Country Regional Ag Team Farm Panel (sand vs solids bedding)

1:55:40 – Jon Patterson, Patterson Farm (Auburn, NY)

2:05:19 – Stein Farms, Dale Stein (LeRoy, NY) & NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee

2:13:33 – Doug Shelmidine, Sheland Farms (Adams, NY)

2:44:43 – P-Index 2.0 & Comparing sand vs. solids bedding. Kirsten Workman, Pro-Dairy Funding Panel

3:30:40 – Mike Durant, Lewis County Soil & Water

3:49:20 – Thomas Pratt, USDA-NRCS

Final conversations redacted for sound quality.

This event is hosted by SWCD Jefferson and Lewis Counties in collaboration with Cornell University and Cooperative Extension.

Agenda:

We will post recordings here, if they are of sufficient quality and have speaker approval,  ~7 days after the event.

 

USDA Launches Working Lands Climate Corps to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders

USDA today announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of President Biden’s historic American Climate Corps initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the country, now and in the future.  

 

The Working Lands Climate Corps is part of the American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that is working to ensure more young people have access to the skills-based training needed for good paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.

The Corps Network, National Association of Conservation Districts, AmeriCorps, and USDA will hold webinars on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. ET and Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. ET to provide additional information for organizations interested in applying. To learn more, visit www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC.

The request for proposals is available at www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

For more details, see the formal press release, here.

“Born amid the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps revitalized farmlands across the nation. Today, farmers are facing new a threat — climate change and droughts,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “With equity at its core, President Biden’s American Climate Corps is addressing this new crisis by training a new generation for good-paying jobs in climate resilience and clean energy. AmeriCorps is proud to partner with USDA, The Corps Network, and the National Association of Conservation Districts to launch the Working Lands Climate Corps — a new American Climate Corps program — which will mobilize Americans across the country to restore soil health, promote sustainable farming practices, and tackle the disproportionate impacts that climate change has on the farming industry and our food.”

“Managing and protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility. The work NRCS does in collaboration with partners to improve the resilience of private lands is increasingly important as we see the mounting effects of climate change,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “Engaging young adults in this work through a Corps model offers a way to expand the reach of NRCS, train future workers in climate-smart agriculture practices, and develop a new generation of climate and community leaders. The Corps Network is proud to work with the Biden Administration to stand up the Working Lands Climate Corps, a new initiative through the American Climate Corps that will help deliver on critical workforce and climate priorities. From four decades of experience working at the intersection of conservation, service, and workforce development, we know this initiative has the potential to have an important impact on our lands and in developing the climate-ready workforce we need.”

“Conservation Districts have a long history of partnership with the USDA and original Civilian Conservation Corps that dates back to the Dust Bowl era,” said National Association of Conservation Districts President Kim LaFleur. “The new Working Lands Conservation Corps allows us to renew and strengthen this partnership, while offering important conservation career developmental opportunities to young adults across the country. We are thrilled to provide training that will support the voluntary, locally led conservation delivery system and supplement ‘boots on ground’ training programs.”