New Farmers grant program in fifth year
Empire State Development and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets have announced $1 million in funding is available to assist early-stage farmers through the state New Farmers Grant Fund.
The program, now in its fifth year, promotes growth and development in the state’s agriculture industry. To date, $3.27 million has been awarded to nearly 90 farms throughout New York state to expand operations and improve profitability.
The $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, all farm business owners must be within the first 10 years of having an ownership interest in any farm business, and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm.
Eligible project costs include the purchase of machinery, equipment, supplies and the construction or improvement of agricultural structures.
The deadline for grant application submissions is Jan. 25.
Click here to learn more about the program and start an application.