Description:

The New York State Farmland Protection Working Group (FPWG) was created as a result of Chapter 55 of the Laws of 2021. The FPWG is a coordinated effort among the New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Environmental Conservation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting, and the New York State Department of Public Service.  These key state agencies are convening with appointed representatives from County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Boards, as well as local government officials from across New York.

The goal of the FPWG is to consider and recommend strategies to the State on the siting process of major renewable energy facilities and to minimize the impact of siting on productive agricultural soils on working farms. The group will conduct several meetings and deliver its recommendations before April of 2022.

 

Meeting Information:

Agendas and material for upcoming meetings can be found by visiting https://agriculture.ny.gov/land-and-water/farmland-protection-working-group. While on the site, you can also find a list of members, and recordings of previously scheduled meetings.