The New York Agricultural Stewardship team, in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation agencies, works to increase farmer adoption of soil health and conservation practices across New York state. We offer one-on-one technical assistance to farmers, helping them to adopt conservation practices that improve water quality, sustain soil and plant health, increase wildlife habitat, and enhance other natural resources. Our team works alongside farmers to assess natural resource concerns, recommend best management practices, and create tailored conservation plans that ensure sustainable land use.
We provide guidance on how to implement these practices into farm operations, help navigating state and federal financial assistance programs, and connection to other resources that foster long-term farm viability.

Working in collaboration with Cornell University, New York demonstration farms are testing the use of poultry manure and wood-based biochars in conventional and organic systems. These trials are part of a broader initiative, Breaking Down Barriers to Biochar Adoption on Farms from Coast to Coast, designed to scale up biochar use across diverse farming systems. The project provides technical and financial assistance for trial plots, soil health testing, carbon stock monitoring, and farmer engagement. By combining on-the-ground results with policy advocacy and community education, AFT aims to unlock the full potential of biochar to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and support long-term farm viability in a changing climate.