The Agricultural Stewardship Program was established in response to growing concerns about nitrate levels and pesticide residues in Long Island's ground and surface waters. Cornell Cooperative Extension, the coordinating agency of the Stewardship Program, works together with Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to protect the island's sole source aquifer while at the same time preserving the region's viable and sustainable agricultural industry. By taking a proactive approach and helping growers evaluate their farm management practices, we are working to stay ahead of the curve and to prevent future regulation.

Components of the Stewardship Program

There is always room for improvement in every farm operation when it comes to management practices. Through a variety of services, the Stewardship Program works with local growers to incorporate better management practices that both protect Long Island's groundwater and maintain/improve production.

• Confidential Nutrient and Pest Management worksheets (AEM Tier II Worksheets) help growers evaluate farm management practices and address issues such as: fertilizer/pesticide storage, mixing and loading practices, calibration, nitrogen management, pesticide use, and integrated crop management practices.

• Growers receive recommendations, technical assistance and conservation management plans tailored to meet specific stewardship needs.

• Cost-Share opportunities are available to assist growers in implementing changes in management practices to improve stewardship.

• Educational programs, on-farm demonstration projects, and DEC credits are available to growers who choose to participate.

A Brief History

The Agricultural Stewardship Program is modeled after NY State's AEM Program and focuses on nutrient and pest management practices as they relate to non-point source water quality issues. A brief history of the program follows:

• Long Island's Agricultural Stewardship Working Group was organized in 1999 and became a subcommittee of the Suffolk County Farmland Protection Board, which is under the umbrella of the NY State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program.

• NY State's AEM Program was signed into law by then Governor Pataki in 2000. AEM is a voluntary, incentive based program that provides education, technical assistance and a farm-by-farm specific plan to identify and manage non-point source water quality issues.

• The Suffolk County Legislature appointed an Agricultural Stewardship Task Force in 2003 to consider a program of agricultural stewardship for nitrogen and pesticide reduction.

• The Suffolk County Legislature approved the Task Force's recommendations in May of 2004 and designated Cornell Cooperative Extension to coordinate Suffolk County's Agricultural Stewardship Program.

• Since 2004, Cornell Cooperative Extension has hired a program coordinator, three technicians, and an administrative assistant to help in the planning, organization and implementation of the Agricultural Stewardship Program.

• To date, the Agricultural Stewardship Program has completed the AEM worksheets with over 100 growers. Program staff has assisted in the design and implementation of over 50 research and on-farm demonstration projects, looking at better management practices that help to reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture on Long Island. The program has developed numerous educational materials and has held several workshops for local growers.

• The Agricultural Stewardship program continues to expand in all of its program areas and welcomes participation by any interested grower.

How to Participate

There are many opportunities to participate in the Agricultural Stewardship Program whether it's participating in an on-farm demonstration project, completing the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) worksheets, attending a summer twilight meeting or simply signing up to be on our mailing list. The important thing is to choose the level of involvement that best suits you.

If you are intersted in conducting an on-farm assessment using the AEM worksheets, contact the Stewardship program at (631) 727-7850 ext. 207. For assistance with a conservation management plan, contact the Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District or the Natural Resources Conservation Service at (631) 727-2315 ext. 3.

If you are interested in conducting an on-farm demonstration project, contact your Agricultural Program Educator or contact Becky Wiseman, Ag Stewardship Program Coordinator, at (631) 727-7850 ext. 207.

Want to be on our mailing list? Email Sally Swain, Administrative Assistant, at sk349@cornell.edu

Other questions?

Contact:
Becky Wiseman, Coordinator Agricultural Stewardship Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
423 Griffing Avenue, Suite 100
Riverhead, NY 11901-3071 
631-727-7850 • F: 631-852-3205
rjw38@cornell.edu