Benefits to Agriculture
1) Supplemental Farm Income is important to the survival of family farms.
2) Pollination
- It is common knowledge that family farms are being replaced by industrial farms across the United States, including in New York.
- Family farms are better for the economy, environment, wildlife, and human health.
- Supplemental Farm Income from dove hunting is successful in other states. That level of success may not be realized in NY, however, an ambitious agriculture producer or landowner can indeed derive income from dove hunting. We emphasize the perspective is changed if you consider that dove hunting leases are consistent and compatible with ordinary agricultural practices and customs.
- The DEC may be able to obtain a variety of federal grants to give landowners financial incentives to allow public access for dove hunting or manage dove fields on private lands.
2) Pollination
- Pollinators are an integral part of our environment and our agricultural systems; they are important in 35% of global crop production.
- Some characteristics of mourning dove habitat also supports pollinators. Thus if hunters undertake mourning dove habitat projects, there will be a benefit to pollinators. See figure 1.