Governor Kathy Hochul announced July 18 more than $38 million for the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, including several in Columbia County. The 40 awarded projects will protect a total of 11,772 acres of farmland. "We must continue to protect New York's precious farmland so our agricultural footprint can grow and so our producers can thrive for generations to come," Hochul said. "I am proud that we supported the Farmland Protection program in this year's budget with an increased allocation, demonstrating our commitment to York's agriculture industry. As a result of the funding being provided today, we are protecting nearly 12,000 acres of farmland for continued agricultural use, including right here on Long Island." Columbia Land Conservancy and the Scenic Hudson Land Trust are getting $1,282,865 to protect 216 acres of the Samascott Orchards-McIntosh LCC, $893,925 for 316 acres of Samascott Orchards-Mutsu LLC in Kindeerhook, and $1,399,453 to protect 366 acres on Grazin' Angus Acres. The Dutchess Land Conservancy is also getting $752,564 to protect 150 acres on Masters Farm in Columbia County, and three grants for $923,757 to protect 187 acres on Cedar Ridge Farm, $1,460,944 to protect 144 acres on Obercreek Farm, and $615,299 to protect 109 acres on Primrose Hill Farm in Dutchess County.