By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that an additional $200,000 is now available to farmers’ markets through Part 2 of the fourth round of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, bringing the total funding for Round 4 to $700,000. Part 1 of the funding was announced in December.
These grants are designed to help markets strengthen local food systems by improving infrastructure, expanding marketing efforts, and adding delivery capabilities. Funding comes from the New York State Budget and supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal of building a resilient food system. Round 3 awards were announced in August 2025.
“A top priority for the Department is ensuring the resiliency of our food supply chain right here at home," Commissioner Ball said. "The Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program is a crucial component of that work, helping our farmers and producers remain strong and reach more consumers. I look forward to seeing the success of the projects funded in Round 4.”
Part 2 funding offers $200,000 directly to eligible farmers’ markets without the sub-grant structure required in Part 1. This approach allows smaller markets or those needing lower levels of assistance to access funding. Grants will range from $20,000 to $50,000 and will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
Projects must focus on building resilient local food systems, maintaining long-term market viability, and promoting farmed-food access across New York State. Application details and eligibility criteria are available on the Department’s website.
The application deadline is 4:00 pm on February 18, 2026. A recording of the informational webinar held on January 15 can be viewed on the Department’s YouTube Channel.
This program is part of Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to strengthen New York’s agriculture and food industries, including initiatives such as Nourish New York, the 30 Percent NYS Initiative, FreshConnect, Farm-to-School programs, and the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program, all aimed at supporting local farmers and ensuring access to fresh, New York-grown foods.
Photo Credit: getty-images-eric-ferguson
Categories: New York, Government & Policy