New York State To Help Farms Reduce Carbon Emissions

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state is spending $2.5 million on efforts to help local farmers reduce their carbon emissions.

The funding announced this week can also be spent on local initiatives to help prepare farms for droughts and other effects of climate change.

The money will be awarded to local soil and water conservation districts.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose office announced the funds, says climate change is a "new reality" and that helping farms reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is one way to reduce the impact.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball says droughts and floods are becoming more common. He says 26 counties in the state are now under a federal natural disaster designation because of this summer's drought.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]