Agriculture

Agricultural Environmental Management 

AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers to  identify and implement best management practices.  AEM helps farmers to operate environmentally sound and economically viable businesses. Producers who participate in AEM may be eligible for cost-share opportunities for Best Management Practices implementation.

Agricultural NonPoint Source

This grant program was established in 1994 by the State of New York to assist farmers in preventing water pollution from agricultural activities by providing technical assistance and financial incentives. County Soil & Water Conservation Districts apply for the competitive grants on behalf of farmers and coordinate funded conservation projects. The primary cause of New York’s remaining water quality challenges can be attributed to a wide array of pollutants resulting from various types of land uses, which is termed nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. As rainfall or snowmelt moves over and through the ground, the runoff picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water.

Climate Resilient Farming

The Climate Resilient Farming grant is an exciting new funding opportunity for farmers looking to fund projects that can help both the farm and mitigate the effects of climate change – often through carbon capture or carbon sequestration.

Soil Group Worksheets for Agricultural Value Assessment

Landowners who satisfy the minimum farm acreage and gross sales requirements may apply for an agricultural assessment, thereby effectively exempting the land's nonagricultural value from local real property taxes. A district technician can supply you with the Soil Group Worksheet for your property at $25 per worksheet.

Planning, Surveying, and Design

The District offers planning, surveying, and design services for all Conservation Practices and Best Management Practices that may be implemented in the community. These services are available in association with grant-funded projects as well as private construction projects. Fees for these services vary depending upon the practices that are being installed.

Drainage and Soil Erosion

The District provides technical assistance to help with drainage and soil erosion concerns.  A site visit , maps, surveying, drain tile layout and a site recommendation will be completed.

Ag Plastic Recycling

Genesee County SWCD works in conjunction with Ag Plastic Solutions and the Ag Container Recycling Council to participate in the annual Agricultural Plastics Recycling Program. Call the office 585-343-2362 ext 5 to pick up plastic bags  and to get on the pick up list.