I am happy to announce that New York farmers have a new tool at their disposal for sorting through the sometimes confusing array of public programs available to them. The New York Agricultural Landowner Guide, which can be downloaded as a free PDF, describes over 60 public programs currently available to help farmers meet challenges ranging from reducing property taxes and protecting farmland from development, to enhancing viability and generating alternative energy. Though the NY guide is the most recent, AFT has compiled similar guides in many states over the years, including Ohio, South Carolina, Connecticut and the Rocky Mountain Region. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="334" caption="Click for a free copy of our New York Landowners Guide"][/caption] The NY guide is applicable to all those working on land use issues, but specifically for landowners like Don Telaak, a dairy farmer in Little Valley, NY, who says he simply doesn’t have the time to seek out all the programs available to him, although “researching all of these programs is probably one of the most important things that can be done to help farmers improve their business.” Like the rest of the nation, agriculture is increasingly recognized as a critical element of the New York’s economy and a key producer of fresh, healthy foods and renewable energy. New York’s farmers are stewards toapproximately 7 million acres of agricultural lands, which is approximately 25 percent of the land in the state. Farms not only provide jobs, they purchase goods and services from other New York business and provide raw products to food processors around the state. Combined, New York’s farm and food sector generates $23 billion annually. The New York Agricultural Landowner Guide can help the state’s farmers find access to programs and financing that will keep them doing their good work. The New York Agricultural Guide demystifies benefits such as tax abatement programs, low-interest loans, assistance in conserving natural resources and help with generational transitions—all of which can make a big difference for farm businesses. A farm is lost to development every three days in New York. We battle that statistic every day- and now we have a new weapon.  Big thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. About the Author: David Haight is New York Director of American Farmland Trust.