The New York CAFO Program

New York was one of the first states to develop a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program that ensures farms are actively working to protect the environment.

Program Requirements

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) CAFO permit program is the regulatory program for dairy farms with more than 200 cows. It requires that farms implement an environmental management plan called a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). This plan is specifically engineered to reduce a farm's environmental footprint and make sure that manure is only applied to fields at a rate that is based" on crop need.

Program Enforcement

A CNMP in New York is extremely complex and can only be completed by a Certified Planner. Planners undergo rigorous training and review to ensure their plans are done to scientific and engineering standards. This certification program is administered by the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the DEA.

Agricultural Environmental Management Program

Locally-led Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program are helping farms of all sizes that want to voluntarily develop critical watershed management strategies. These best management practices enhance environmental quality on these farms, develop and maintain beneficial neighbor relations and protect the land for future generations. For more information, visit www.nys-soilandwater.org.

Agricultural Districts Law

All too often when residents move from the cities or suburbs to the more rural areas of the state to enjoy the benefits of the country lifestyle, they do not appreciate that the beautiful rolling hills and open spaces that drew them to the area are located within an Agricultural District. These locally created districts contain actual working farms that must, by necessity or regulation, collect and spread manure, use pesticides and keep long hours in the fields or milking parlors.

Agricultural District Specifics

An Agricultural District is initiated locally, offering the community the opportunity to choose to support agriculture. The law also offers necessary protections for farmers that enable them to run their businesses without fear of ill-conceived, unnecessary restrictions that can put farms out of business.