Two Erie County farms with a combined 957 acres of land will be preserved through the New York State’s Farmland Protection Program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week.
Stefan Hay Farm, a cash crop operation in North Collins, was awarded $1.06 million for 647 acres.
Vacinek Farm, a dairy, beef, crops and wood products operation in Sardinia, was awarded $551,191 for 310 acres.
Both farms entered into conservation easements with the Western New York Land Conservancy that will prevent their farmland from being developed for other purposes in the future.
“The majority of people in society are not able to grow food and feed themselves, so we are reliant on our nation’s remaining farmers,” said Rachel Chrostowski, farmland protection specialist. “The farms in most cases in Western New York are small, family-owned businesses, and by permanently protecting their land we are helping to support that industry that we all rely on.”
The grant pays the farmer for the land’s assessed value for development, ensuring it will always be available for agricultural use. The funds also cover the costs associated with the purchase.
In all, the governor announced $5.5 million for seven projects that will set aside 2,119 farmland acres, bringing the total of protected farmland statewide to 113,650 acres.
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