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  Food and Forest Protection

Farms provide environmental and financial benefit to our community.

My community’s comprehensive plan has a detailed agriculture section.

My county has an agriculture and farmland protection plan.

The best farmland in my community has been identified and measures have been taken to protect it.

Farms within my community are actively participating in Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM).

My community is active in trying to mitigate conflicts between farmers and residential neighbors.

There is a farmers market, farm fair, or harvest festival in my community.

My community has implemented policies to limit development on prime farmland and forested areas.

A plan to manage and conserve its forest resources has been implemented in my community.

My community encourages the purchase of conservation easements on farmland and forested land.

We depend on the environment to supply food and provide raw materials.  Agriculture is New York’s largest industry, and contributes greatly to our local economies, our environment, and our health. Maintaining local farms protects our food supply keeps our food costs lower by minimizing ever-increasing transportation costs. Farms and forests preserves the land’s natural ability to filter and store water, reduce flooding, and protect water quality. Buying local supports farmers to continue their agricultural environmental management efforts.

Investing in Farms for Our Future

The NYS Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program is a voluntary program that provides farm operations with technical and financial assistance to address natural resource concerns related to agriculture. Conservation planning and local implementation are integral parts in the success of this program. Plans are customized farm by farm and based on watershed needs. For example, the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District has developed a county-wide AEM Strategic Plan and engaged more than 200 farms to protect local soil and water resources. The strategy is reviewed and updated each year to accurately and effectively protect and improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and control soil erosion in Albany County. The AEM Strategy and more information are available at www.albanycounty.com/swcd.

Protect your local food supply and the open space amenities farms provide by investigating whether your town has policies that will keep agriculture thriving in your community. Shop at Farmer’s Markets and encourage grocers to carry local products like dairy, meat, eggs, grains, fruits, vegetables, wine, honey, and maple syrup. If your community does not have a Farmers Market, contact the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for help to organize one.

Respond to these statements about your local environment and what you and your community are doing to protect your basic survival needs.  If some statements do not apply to your community, consider them in the context of your watershed.  See the Technical and Financial Assistance Guide for resources regarding “False” and “Find Out!” responses, and contact your County Soil and Water Conservation District.