Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week that $4.9 million has been awarded to protect valuable and at-risk farmland in New York State.

The grants awarded through the state's Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program will help preserve nearly 3,000 acres on 6 farms across the state. The funds will help preserve at risk farm lands through development and conservation.

"The success of New York's agricultural industry directly impacts the strength of our economy and by protecting land and other precious resources, we are investing in our state’s future," Cuomo said in the press release. "As a result of the historic levels of funding in this year's budget, we have been able to nearly double the number of acres protected, reach even more farms and help ensure the future vitality of New York farming."

New York has awarded nearly $238 million since 1996 for farmland protection in 30 counties protecting more than 59,000 acres of farmland in New York State.

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