NY S09053

Authorizes the state soil and water conservation committee to establish a Columbia/Dutchess carbon farming pilot project in consultation with the department of environmental conservation and department of agriculture and markets to study carbon sequestration potential of farming practices.

Limits pilot project to five commercial farms or orchards jointly selected through an open application process and administered by soil and water conservation districts in Columbia and Dutchess counties.

Requires at least one participating farm to utilize composted manure spreading followed by cover crop planting.

Mandates baseline soil testing for carbon content at project start and soil testing for carbon content and water holding capacity at six-month intervals throughout the pilot project duration.

Provides reimbursement for farm costs including composted manure and cover crop seed, with preference for purchasing composted manure from a single vendor or source.

Expires and is automatically repealed two years after the effective date.