By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $1.12 million in funding for 25 farmer's market organizations across New York through Round 3 of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program.
The investment, included in the 2024-25 State Budget, represents an increase of over $870,000 compared to last year and reflects the Governor’s continued commitment to strengthening New York’s local food systems.
The announcement comes just after National Farmers’ Market Week and follows Governor Hochul’s warning about the impact of federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on both families and New York’s agricultural sector.
In 2024 alone, more than 400,000 SNAP transactions at farmers’ markets were made through the State’s FreshConnect Program, generating over $10 million in revenue for farmers.
“Our farmers’ markets are some of our greatest assets in getting healthy, fresh, New York-grown food directly into the communities who need them most,” Governor Hochul said.
“I’m proud to continue investing in these essential cornerstones of community that not only make a difference to our most vulnerable residents but are also connecting our hardworking New York farmers to new markets. I congratulate the awardees of this program’s funding and look forward to seeing how much you continue to grow.”
“Our farmers’ markets are critical community hubs, bridging the gap between urban, suburban, and rural communities, all while providing a market for New York agricultural producers," Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said.
"This program ensures our markets reach more consumers in new, innovative ways, build greater bonds between farmers and their customers, and get more local New York foods onto tables across the state, especially in our underserved communities through critical services like SNAP. I congratulate all the awardees of this program and look forward to seeing all the great work they will do with this funding in the years to come.”
This latest round funds infrastructure improvements such as booths, signage, and digital platforms to expand access and online sales. With 25 organizations receiving grants-19 more than in the program’s second round this is the largest number of projects supported to date.
See the full list of grant recipients and project details.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy