New York State has made a strong commitment to fighting climate change, establishing a goal of reducing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2050. This report has found that keeping land in farming and promoting good stewardship of the land—while encouraging new development in cities, villages and developed areas—offer important ways for New York to reduce GHG emissions, as farmland emits approximately 66 times fewer GHGs per acre than developed land in New York.

This report suggests that taking steps to protect farmland and reduce the conversion of farmland to real estate development is an important component of New York’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions 80 percent by 2050. For farmers to continue growing food and bolstering New York’s economy—while contributing to the state’s climate change goals—action must be taken.