There is hereby established within the department an agricultural environmental management program to assist farmers in maintaining the economic viability of their farm operations while addressing environmental impacts from those operations, including, but not limited to, soil, air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The program may also include assistance to farmers for the development of agriculturally-derived renewable energy sources. The program may consist of planner certification to qualify persons to prepare AEM plans; technical assistance to farmers participating in the program; financial assistance, within funds available, to soil and water conservation districts and farmers to prepare and implement plans; other incentives for program participation; and evaluation of program procedures and projects to assess effectiveness.
New York Legal Code