On July 12, 2010, Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District was notified of another successful application for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Funds for the Northern Watershed Agricultural Program Phase IV.

Eighty- two applications were submitted from various areas in New York. Ontario County's application was ranked in the top 20. This is the 20th AEM grant awarded to Ontario County SWCD. All grant funds are passed through to farmers enrolled in the Agricultural Environmental Management program as a cost share for installing or implementing projects that protect water quality.

Ontario County SWCD will receive more than $275,000.00 to cost share with six farm operations located in the Towns of Canandaigua, East Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Hopewell and Mendon. These farms include both cash crop and dairy operations. Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District will work cooperatively with Ontario County in assisting some of these projects. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as fall, 2010.

The Northern Watersheds Agricultural Advisory Committee, chaired by Matt Young, provides oversight and direction for this work, prioritizing water quality issues to be addressed.

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets provides funds for projects that plan (AEM Tier III) or implement (AEM Tier IV) Agricultural Best Management Practices on New York State farms.  Soil and Water Conservation Districts statewide submit competitive proposals for work in their counties. Preference is given to proposals located within a watershed identified as a priority water body, such as those used as drinking water sources (both surface water and groundwater) and either threatened or impaired.

Extensive preparations must be made before the grant request is submitted.  Farmers interested in participating in AEM projects must complete several surveys, identify specific needs and agree to cost shares and construction standards.

Benefits of the AEM program have been substantial.  Since the first Ontario County AEM initiative in the Canandaigua Lake Watershed, projects have assisted farmers in all areas of the county.   More than $6.3 million in cost share funds have been put to work in AEM projects during the past 14 years, helping to keep Ontario County farms viable, supporting local  businesses and keeping water resources clean.