1. Agricultural Environmental Management
Greg Albrecht
AEM Coordinator / Nutrient Management Specialist
Division of Land and Water Resources
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee

3. NYS Ag Statistics Farm economy generates $5.4 billion annually
35,500 farms statewide
5,500 Dairy Farms – over 610,000 dairy cows
370 Medium CAFOs
180 Large CAFOs
National Ranks
Milk – 3rd
Yogurt – 1st
Apples – 2nd
Wine/Juice Grapes – 3rd
Fresh Mkt Veggies – 5th
Maple Syrup – 2nd
Floriculture – 9th
Agriculture is an essential industry in NYS, generating approximately $4.5 billion annually. There are over 36,000 farms of all types statewide. Dairy farms account for approximately 33% percent of the farms in NYS . There are 5,500 dairy farms (over 600,000 dairy cows), of the 6,000, 370 farms are Medium CAFO’s and 180 are Large CAFO’s.

4. Well-Managed Agriculture as Sustainable Development
Local food, fiber, and energy +
Rural economic growth
Locally-based transactions
Jobs (esp. in rural communities)
Taxes paid by farms >> services used
Conservation and resiliency:
Habitat
Stormwater management
Water and air quality
Unpaved open space / scenic vistas
Tourism
Etc.
Agriculture is a form of development that delivers a lot more for society than it’s obvious, primary product.

5. Agricultural Environmental Management
AEM is a statewide, locally-led, and voluntary process that helps farmers make common sense decisions toward meeting their business objectives while protecting and conserving natural resources.
AEM Law enacted in 2000 with soil and water conservation focus.
Expanded in 2008 to include air, energy, and GHG management.
Because of the diversity and vitality of NY’s agricultural Industry, the Agricultural Environmental Management program was developed to address Agriculture of all types and sizes
NYS was an early adopter to enact a law that codifies a statewide program to promote best management practices to control agricultural non-point source pollution on local farms. (Picture of governor signing Bill at State Fair)
History- NYC, filtration avoidance led to whole farm planning in NYC watersheds—that later gave way to a state wide AEM program.
AEM is a state-wide, voluntary, incentives-based process that helps farmers make common sense decisions to help meet their business objectives while protecting and conserving natural resources and water quality.

6. AEM Statewide Organization
Led by the
NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee
&
County Soil & Water Conservation Districts
State Law has AEM under Ag and Markets and it’s administered at the state level by a very inclusive governing body: the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee. it is the local partnerships that are key to the success of delivering this award-winning state program.

7. SWCC Strategy
The mission of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee is to advance comprehensive natural resources management through the support of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
4 Strategic Areas:
Conservation District Operations
Technical Services and Program Delivery
Comprehensive Natural Resources Management
Cooperative Conservation

8. Agricultural Environmental Management
Helps address New York’s commitment to State and National priorities:
Clean Water Act
Safe Drinking Water Act
Coastal Zone Management Act
Greenhouse gas mitigation, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation
Adaptable to future priorities
Addressing local priorities through locally-led conservation is also successfully addressing State and National priorities.
Each of these Federal Acts have links to NPS management…..which is at the center of AEM.

9. Environmentally Sound
Economically Viable
Climate Resilient
Agriculture
Deliberately designed to further advance farm management, because well managed farms are a desired form of development.
AEM supports farm families in their efforts to produce the fresh food, green energy and other products that we need every day, while protecting the state’s natural resources…..well managed agriculture is a valued land use and form of development for a host of reasons.
AEM is the framework to help farmers advance their conservation efforts, and help the public connect how our farms protect soil and water quality, open space and wildlife habitat. During this time of increasing energy concerns, AEM will be used to explain the vital role of farmers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing renewable energy.

10. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

11. Agricultural Environmental Management
Core Concepts
Based on watershed needs and Local AEM Strategic Plans
Voluntary, incentive-based
Locally-led & delivered
Customized farm by farm
Farmers
Confidential
Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Promotes teamwork
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Farm Service Agency
Coordinates assistance
Agri-Business
Watershed Groups
Environmental Organizations
The core concepts of AEM are that it is voluntary, incentive based, and locally-led and delivered.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and partners at CCE, NRCS, and private sector planners and crop consultants provide on-farm environmental assessments, conservation planning and technical services through the AEM program.
It is centered around water quality and plans are customized by farm.

12. Local AEM Strategic Plans
District Partners and Stakeholders develop and implement AEM Strategic Plan
Identify & prioritize local issues & opportunities
Plan & coordinate activities
Obtain funding
Conduct outreach
Evaluate efforts
In each District, AEM is guided by their local AEM Team (Farmers, Districts, NRCS, CCE, FSA, Agri-Business, Watershed Groups, etc) that develop and implement an AEM Strategic Plan …..and update every 5 years.
These plans use information gathered from partners and stakeholders to Identify and prioritize local issues and opportunities, plan and coordinate activities, plan ways to obtain funding, conduct outreach and evaluate past efforts.
Overall, the plans direct state, federal, and local resources to address priority conservation needs at the local level. State and national priorities are addressed by working on local priorities.

13. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

14. AEM Framework – 5 Tier Approach
AEM Tier
Purpose
NRCS 9 Step Process
Tier 1 – Inventory (Questionnaire)
Basic farm info and interests
ID Issues & Opps
Determine Objectives
Inventory Resources
Analyze Resource Data
Formulate Alternatives
Evaluate Alternatives
Make Decisions
Implementation
Evaluation
Tier 2 – Assessment (“Tier 2 Worksheets”)
Identify existing stewardship, resource concerns, and opportunities
Tier 3 – Planning
Develop conservation plans
Tier 4 – Implementation
Implement conservation practices based on the plans
Tier 5 – Evaluation
Evaluate plans, practices, and programs
AEM is a Tiered Process. To get into more detail regarding the Tiered process:
AEM starts with an inventory (Tier 1) of a farm’s activities, future plans and documenting environmental stewardship.
Tier 2 is the use of Assessment Worksheets specific to the type of farm operation used to identify potential concerns & opportunities. There are approximately 20 worksheets
After the assessment, A customized conservation plan is then developed meeting the needs and resources of the farmer.
Conservation practices are implemented utilizing local, state and federal resources.
This is followed by an evaluation to ensure that goals were met to protect the environment and the farm business.
AEM collects information for:
Sound decision making
Strategic planning
Prioritization
Effective response to future mandates, environmental standards & emerging issues

15. AEM Framework – 5 Tier Approach and AEM Base “Products”
Tier 1 – Inventory Questionnaire
Tier 2 – Assessment Worksheets
Tier 3 – Planning
3A Component Plan
3B CNMP
3C Whole Farm Plan
Tier 4 – Implementation
Tier 5 – Evaluation
5A Update Tier 1 & 2
5B Plan Eval/Update
5B BMP System Eval
AEM is a Tiered Process. To get into more detail regarding the Tiered process:
AEM starts with an inventory (Tier 1) of a farm’s activities, future plans and documenting environmental stewardship.
Tier 2 is the use of Assessment Worksheets specific to the type of farm operation used to identify potential concerns & opportunities. There are approximately 20 worksheets
After the assessment, A customized conservation plan is then developed meeting the needs and resources of the farmer.
Conservation practices are implemented utilizing local, state and federal resources.
This is followed by an evaluation to ensure that goals were met to protect the environment and the farm business.
AEM collects information for:
Sound decision making
Strategic planning
Prioritization
Effective response to future mandates, environmental standards & emerging issues

16. Vineyard (www.vinebalance.com)
AEM Tier 2 Worksheets
Core
Watershed Site Evaluation
Agriculture & the Community
Soil Management
Manure & Fertilizer Mgmt
Manure & Fertilizer Storage
Waste Disposal
Pesticide Use
Pesticide Storage, Mix & Load
Farmstead Water Supply
Stream & Floodplain Mgmt.
Petroleum & Oil Product Storage
Forest Management
Irrigation Water Management
Livestock
Livestock Heavy Use Areas
Silage Storage
Process Wash Water
Management of Feed Nutrients
Water-Bourne Pathogens
Pasture Management
Livestock Odor Management
plus
GHG
Equine
Greenhouse
Vineyard (
Fruits & Vegetables
Long Island
* Long Island Nutrient Management Fruit Tree Sustainable Viticulture
Greenhouse Pesticide Management Fruit Tree Sustainable Viticulture Greenhouse Waste Management Soil Management Water Management

17. AEM Tier 2 Example – Soil Management
Tier 2 is done on-site with a resource professional
It documents existing stewardship
It is a risk-based assessment with 1 or 2 indicating excellent stewardship and the practice meets or exceeds NRCS standards
A 3 or 4 indicates the practice doesn’t meet the NRCS standard or there is no practice in place whatsoever to address a resource concern.

18. AEM Tier 2 Summary

19. AEM Tier 3 – Conservation Planning
Uses the NRCS 9-Step Planning Process
3A - Initiation of progressive planning process addressing at least 1 priority issue. Tier 3A Plan Component options:
Farmstead, Cropland Conservation, Nutrient Mgt, Pasture Mgt, and/or Pest Mgt
3B - Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)
3C - Whole Farm Plan
In Tier 3, farmers work with AEM professionals to progressively develop a customized, comprehensive farm resource management plan. Tier 3B and C plans must be approved by State Certified Planners. All CAFOs have at least a certified Tier 3B plan that they must follow.

20. AEM Tier 4 – Implementation
Manure Storage & Mgt System
Install conservation practice systems
Initiate management changes
Follow NRCS Standards & Specs
Utilize appropriate local, state, and/or federal funding programs
The bottom line is to get conservation on the land, progressing as the farmer is ready, willing and able.

21. BMP Systems www. nys-soilandwater
BMP Systems
SYSTEM NAME
Access Control System
Pathogen Management System
Agrichemical Handling and Storage System
Petroleum and Oil Products Storage System
Composting System – Animal
Prescribed Rotational Grazing System
Erosion Control System – Structural
Process Wash Water Management System
Feed Management System
Riparian Buffer System
Integrated Pest Management System
Silage Leachate Control and Treatment System
Irrigation Water Management System
Soil Conservation System – Cultural
Livestock Heavy Use Area Runoff Management System
Stream Corridor and Shoreline Management System
Manure and Agricultural Waste Treatment System
Waste Storage and Transfer System
Nutrient Management System – Cultural

22. AEM Tier 5 – Plan & Program Evaluation
Farm Evaluation
Tier 2 Assessment Update
BMP Assessment, Validation & O&M Assistance
Tier 3 Plan Assessment/ Revision/Update
Continuing Education/Coaching
Planning Unit Evaluation
County Program Evaluation
Protect the farmer’s and the public’s investment. Emphasis on verification component of the program.
Seek continual improvement. Conservation planning and implementation is a continuous process.
Cover crops after corn silage

23. Other AEM Tools
Evaluation Tools: Vegetated Treatment Areas, Manure Storage, Manure Transfer, etc.
Stream Corridor Assessment
Watershed-wide water management
GHG Mitigation Tier 2 Worksheets
AEM Tier 2 Background Sheets
Potential future tools
Climate Change Adaptation/Resiliency, Forest Management Planning, Riparian Area Management Planning, Specialty Crops, etc.
Sometimes when most appropriate to represent the partnership effort

24. AEM Base Program
Non-competitive funding for Districts to provide conservation technical assistance to farms through the AEM Tiers (~$3M/year statewide)
Districts can earn up to…..
$85K with AEM Certified Planner on staff
$65K with NRCS Certified Planner on staff
$50K base funding
continuous process
There is also a benefit for Conservation Districts to implement the AEM program. AEM Base was initiated in 2005 to enhance the quality of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program (ANSACP) proposals, and provide a funding mechanism to Districts to follow up with farmers who have completed ANSACP projects. Prior to AEM Base Districts had to rely on competitive funding or County allocations to advance AEM; which was inefficient and unpredictable. AEM Base has also yielded additional benefits by providing technical assistance funding to Districts to support USDA Farm Bill Programs, such as EQIP.
There are 12 AEM Certified Planners in 10 of the USC Counties

25. Progress Through the AEM Tiers
May 2005 – May 2017 Snapshot of Technical Tier Work via AEM Base
AEM Tier
Total Completed
Tier 1 Inventory
9583
Tier 2 Assessments
5836
Tier 3 Plans
3201
Tier 4 BMP Systems (in addition to AgNPS)
2926
Tier 5A Assessment Updates
1573
Tier 5B Plan/BMP Evaluations
3371
GREG
This represents about 10 years of work and ~$4 million of investment and ~30 FTEs among the USC Districts
~2500 AgNPS BMPs since 1993 in addition to this AEM Base Tier 4 work, above.
~1500 BMPs via AgNPS during rounds 10 thru 19 (2005 thru 2013)
Since the beginning of the AEM Base program in 2005, the Districts working with farmers and partners have made much progress.
+ education, outreach, partner activities, program evaluation, and reporting

26. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

27. Training Water Quality Symposium Conservation Skills Workshop
Certified Crop Advisor Training
Local / regional topic-specific trainings
Buffers
Cropland conservation
Grazing
Farmstead Conservation
Streams
AEM Planning
BMP System Design
Etc.

28. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

29. AEM Planner Certification
Become Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Certified
exam and experience based
Complete Conservation Planning Training
Attend 4-day CNMP Training at the WQS Symposium
3 Plan Review by CNMP Specialists
Follow Up QA/QC Reviews + Maintain CCA
AEM Planner Certification Update…..
49 total AEM Certified Planners
18 in Districts (across16 Districts)
10 Planners currently in 3-Plan Review Phase
6 private sector / 4 District

30. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

31. AEM Framework – 5 Tier Approach
AEM Tier
Purpose
Tier 1 – Inventory (Questionnaire)
Basic farm info and interests
Tier 2 – Assessment (Worksheets)
Identify existing stewardship, resource concerns, and opportunities
Tier 3 – Planning
Develop conservation plans
Tier 4 – Implementation
Implement conservation practices based on the plans
Tier 5 – Evaluation
Evaluate plans, practices, and programs
AEM is a Tiered Process. To get into more detail regarding the Tiered process:
AEM starts with an inventory (Tier 1) of a farm’s activities, future plans and documenting environmental stewardship.
Tier 2 is the use of Assessment Worksheets specific to the type of farm operation used to identify potential concerns & opportunities. There are approximately 20 worksheets
After the assessment, A customized conservation plan is then developed meeting the needs and resources of the farmer.
Conservation practices are implemented utilizing local, state and federal resources.
This is followed by an evaluation to ensure that goals were met to protect the environment and the farm business.
AEM collects information for:
Sound decision making
Strategic planning
Prioritization
Effective response to future mandates, environmental standards & emerging issues

32. Funding Programs to Advance AEM (and other land use areas)
AEM Base Program
Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (AgNPS)
Climate Resilient Farming (CRF)
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Ecosystem Based Management RFPs
State Aid to Districts
Cost-Share Programs from Key Partners
NRCS, NYS DEC, EPA, and others

33. AEM and Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program
AgNPS program cost shares the implementation of BMP Systems identified through the AEM planning process
Soil & Water Conservation Districts are the local sponsors
Source: NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)
Higher ranking for TMDLs, 303d, public drinking water, CAFO, and buffers
~$160M appropriated over 23 Rounds since 1994
Currently R23: $14.1M awarded for $43M in State requested funds for Ag BMP projects proposed by Districts
$14 million budgeted for 2017/18 (R24)
GREG
Emphasize that we are only meeting about 50% of the demand.
Adapting to best available technology……this is expensive and an on-going process as technology advances and farms advance.
Through the AEM process certain best management practices are recommended to address identified resource concerns on the farm. NYS offers a competitive funding program which will cost share the implementation of the best management practices. The Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program is only available to Conservation Districts and will cost-share up to 75% of the project.
In 2013, Governor Cuomo placed $14 million in budget for the AEM Base and AGNPS programs. In the most recent round of AGNPS, 45 projects submitted by 28 Conservation Districts were awarded funds which will be used to implement projects on 212 farms.

34. Climate Resilient Farming (CRF)
Climate concerns incorporated into the AEM process
Track 1: Waste Storage Cover and Flare
Track 2: On farm riparian, floodplain, and upland water management
Track 3: Soil Health
Building the AEM tools: GG worksheets; Planning Tools for Water Management; GIS Flood Attenuation Tool
Round 1/Pilot: $1.4 million released
$1.4 million in awards made spring 2016
Round 2: $1.5 million awarded in 2017
Round 3: $2.05 million budgeted for 2017/18
SCOTT

35. Agricultural Environmental Management www. agriculture. ny
Agricultural Environmental Management
Protect and enhance the environment and
the viability of agriculture in New York State.
Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Partnerships & Coordination
Applied Research & Extension
AEM Certified Planners
AEM is an effective tool at encouraging progressive farm management. Note the mission statement. There are many elements of AEM.
It serves as an umbrella (coordinate) to other programs in the state.
There are at least 19 different Federal and State programs that address conservation, and AEM fills the need of identifying resource concerns and opportunities, and directs the farmer to the program that best fits their needs. It is a tool that facilitates access to Federal and State resources for farmers.
This is a voluntary program but AEM plays a major supporting role for farms regulated by CAFO as well as the remaining farms in NYS.
Awards / Recognition
5-Tier Process, Tools, & Technical Assistance
Cost-Share Programs
Training
Outreach
Locally-led Strategies & Priorities

36. Local and Statewide AEM Awards

37. Agricultural Environmental Management
Watershed Successes
New York City Watershed
Skaneateles Lake Watershed (Syracuse)
Oneida Lake
Conesus Lake
Steele Creek Watershed
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
1,000’s of local water quality issues addressed
Several watershed across NYS have seen marked water quality improvement after implementation of the AEM program. These watersheds have been monitored and studied and all have water quality data showing improving water quality trends.
NYC Watershed-Filtration of avoidance
Skaneateles Lake - Filtration avoidance
Oneida Lake - de-listed from 303d – AEM program credited for removal
Conesus Lake – reputable SUNY professor conducted a water quality study before and after AEM implementation – results showed significant improvement
Steele Creek Watershed – was rejected as a backup water supply due to poor water quality (Village of Ilion, Herkimer Co). After AEM implemented, it now meets drinking water standards and can be utilized as back up water supply.
Chesapeake Bay – AEM efforts helping to improve WQ and helping to meet EPA requirements

38. Agricultural Environmental Management
Why does AEM work in NY…….?
Three decades of development
Codified into NYS law and consistent statewide
Locally developed (strategic plan), deployed, and aggregated
Strong local delivery network, training, and certification
Umbrella program (coordination among partners)
Utilizes federal, State, and local funding sources
Funding: Technical Assistance and BMP Cost Sharing
Opportunities to provide outreach and education
Built-in mechanism for follow-up
Adaptable to changing priorities and needs
In Summary…
We believe it works and it is credible (might want to emphasize the locally led bullet, as that seems to be in decline in other agencies/efforts.
Our combined resources are stressed
Improved incentives (tax breaks, insurance premium breaks, yield insurance, payment for eco-services, etc.)

39. Agricultural Environmental Management
Productive Farms
&
Conservation of Natural Resources
View the worksheets and find out more about AEM on the web at:
Thank you and hopefully we have time for questions.
Conservation Cropping System
Greg Albrecht – or