Agriculture Environmental Management Program (AEM)
Agriculture Environmental Management Program
NEW YORK
State Program
Administered by: County SWCD
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Land Use |
Cropland, Grazing land |
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Focus |
Cost share program, technical assistance |
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Resource Concern |
Soil erosion, Water quality, Air quality, Wildlife |
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Purpose |
The environmental purpose is to help farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State’s natural resources. |
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Landowner Benefits |
Landowners can receive education and awareness of water quality concerns from their agriculture operations. Farmers are eligible for cost sharing through the NYS Agriculture Non-point Source and Abetment Grant if water quality problems are identified through the AEM process. |
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Description |
Farmers work with local AEM resource professionals to develop comprehensive farm plans using a tiered process. Tier 1: inventory current activities, future plans, and potential environmental concerns. Tier 2: Document current land stewardship; assess and prioritize areas of concern. Tier 3: Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals. Tier 4: Implement plans utilizing available financial, educational, and technical assistance. Tier 5: Evaluate to ensure the protection of the environment and farm viability. |
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Practices |
Best management practices such as manure storages, manure transfer, milk house waste treatment, silage leachate treatment, agchemical mixing facilities |
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Costs to Landowner |
There are no costs to the landowner to have an Agricultural Enviornmental Management evaluation completed on the farm. Landowners will pay for at least 50% of the costs of establishing the conservation practices recommended by the evaluation. |
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Eligibility |
Landowners that rent their land out to other farmers are not eligible; Farming operations are eligible. |
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Contract |
N/A |
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Other Notes |
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Landowner Initiation |
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