New York Farmland Protection Staff Capacity Grants Pilot Program

The Farmland Protection Staff Capacity Grants Pilot Program — the state's first — supports local agricultural and farmland protection goals by helping land trusts and local governments hire their initial project staff or add staff in order to initiate or accelerate farmland protection projects. Applicants apply for one of two project categories: (1) First Staff Hire for a new Land Trust or Land Conservancy — funding available to any not-for-profit conservation organization established within the last three years hiring its first staff member dedicated to farmland protection; and (2) Increased Staff Capacity for Farmland Protection — funding available to applicants already engaged in planning and implementing farmland protection projects at the local or regional level who intend to accelerate their rate of farmland protection.

Eligible applicants are counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit conservation organizations.

Applications were submitted via the Statewide Financial System Grants Management System (SFS GM). Proposals were due Friday, June 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm. An informational webinar for interested applicants was held April 16, 2026.