Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP)
The Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP) is a one-time competitive grant opportunity supporting farms interested in demonstrating innovative equipment and technology that improves air and water quality, strengthens farm operations, and generates practical lessons for other farmers.
The program is administered by the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) and funded by the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
Funding Available
A total of $1.35 million is available to farms through this competitive program. Funding is organized across three categories:
1. Soil Health & Cover Crop Equipment
Grants up to $50,000 for equipment supporting no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop management.
2. Agricultural Drones & Drone Services
Grants up to $50,000 for limited drone purchases or contracted drone services such as imaging, cover crop seeding, and targeted applications.
3. Innovative Equipment & Precision Agriculture Technology
Grants up to $75,000 for advanced technologies such as GPS guidance, sensors, automation, robotics, and data-driven tools with clear environmental benefits.
Farmers may submit up to three project ideas (one per category) and ranked first, second, and third choice. Depending on available funding, more than one project per farm may be awarded.
Project Term
Funded projects include a three-year engagement period, beginning in the first year of operation following award. At the conclusion of the project term, equipment ownership remains with the farm, provided all grant requirements are met.
Timeline & Next Steps
- Program launch workshop: January 9, 2026 at the Catskill Regional Agricultural Conference
- Informational Workshop: January 16, 2026 from 11AM-1PM at 44 West Street, Walton, NY (light lunch provided).
- Application deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026
For full program details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, please read more here.
Application
The deadline for application has passed. Please contact us with any additional questions at agprogram@nycwatershed.org.
Who Can Apply
This program is available to farms participating in the Watershed Agricultural Program that:
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Are located in the New York City West-of-Hudson Watershed,
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Meet basic Watershed Agricultural Program eligibility for an active farm status in good standing
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Attest that they:
- Are not engaged in any legal proceeding with WAC, any subcontractors (e.g., Cornell), or any IRC members.
- Do not owe past-due federal, state, or local taxes, unless they are making payments under a government-approved agreement with appropriate taxing authority.
- Are in compliance with applicable environmental, agricultural, and other laws, including (as applicable) local tax, housing, agricultural, and environmental requirements.
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Are willing to:
- Participate in monitoring, demonstration and outreach activities.
- Share project-related data and management information with WAC and the research partners.
- Operate and maintain the funded equipment according to the grant agreement.
Contact
For more information or to sign up for updates:
Email: agprogram@nycwatershed.org
Phone: 607-865-7090