New York State has allocated $1 million in the 2016- 2017 state budget for the third round of the New York State funding for the New Farmers Grant Fund. The NYS Farmers Grant Fund will help provide grants of up to $50,000 to new and beginning farmers for the purchase of equipment, supplies and other necessities essential to an agricultural business. All project costs must be directly related to achieving Program Goals.
The New Farmers Grant Fund will help farmers improve farm profitability through one or both of the following Program Goals:
- Expanding agricultural production, diversifying agricultural production and/or extending the agricultural season;
- Advancing innovative agricultural techniques that increase sustainable practices such as organic farming, food safety, reduction of farm waste and/or water use.
Information and the guidelines for the grant can be found at the following website: http://esd.ny.gov/businessprograms/newfarmersgrantfund.html.
The deadline to apply is January 27, 2017.