Farmland Protection Information
Local Farmland Protection
Every hour, 175 acres of farmland in the United States is lost forever. Once this farmland is gone, so is access to fresh local produce, beautiful countryside, important family heritages, and crucial carbon storage. Soil has the ability to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air that can otherwise contribute to climate change— so healthy soils are not just critical for food production, they protect us from the worst effects of climate change.
Here in upstate New York we have some of the best soils in the United States, and Genesee Land Trust wants to make sure these farms continue to do what they do best—grow food, not houses. That’s why we work with interested families to find ways to conserve their farms, ensuring productive ag land forever. As of August 2022, we have protected 18 farms in the region and have 10 additional farmland protection projects in the works.
If you’re interested in protecting your farmland, please complete the interest form and send it to Amanda Grisa, Farmland Protection Manager, at agrisa@geneseelandtrust.org.
Estimated 2023 Grant Timeline: Interest forms are due by December 2022. Genesee Land Trust will review, follow up and select the strongest opportunities for success in February. The specific deadlines have not yet been provided by the state. For a full timeline, click here.
Recent News:
August 2022: Protecting the Future of Stonecrop Farm. Read more here.
July 2022: 5 Grants Secured Worth $5 Million to Permanently Protect 1,000+ Acres of Farmland. Read more here.
October 2021: Investing in Local Farms. Read more here.
Purchase of Development Rights
Interested farmers working with Genesee Land Trust have protected their farms from future development by selling their development rights funded by grants from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and United States Department of Agriculture farmland protection programs. Over 3,100 acres of working farmland will continue to be growing food for generations to come.
Donation of Development Rights
For some individual landowners, donating a conservation easement on their farm can meet their vision of protected land forever with substantial income tax and ongoing property tax benefits. Learn more about donating a conservation easement and the benefits.
Community Supported Agriculture Farms
Community and farmer together! One of Genesee Land Trust's protected farms is home to community supported agriculture or a CSA. This CSA farm sells ‘shares’ of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers to members for an entire season. After purchasing a share, members pick up fresh, local food every week or two. This relationship provides your farmer income throughout the season and provides you with fresh fruits and vegetables from one of your local farms.
Visit Wild Hill Farm to learn more.
Meet The Farmland Protection Team:
Lorna Wright, Acting Executive Director, oversees all conservation projects and grant applications.
Amanda Grisa, Farmland Protection Manager, is the primary contact for all farmers. She operates a family farm in Naples, NY and spends every summer weekend at farmer’s markets.
Liz Sheehan, Farmland Protection Assistant, helps guide projects through the many steps it takes to protect a piece of farmland.
From Left: Lorna Wright, Liz Sheehan, Amanda Grisa