New York Awards $8.5M to Boost Farms and Food Businesses

By Blake Jackson

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced that $8.5 million in funding will be distributed to 69 farms, processors, and distributors through the New York State Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research, and Development (NYS G&C ITRD) grant program.

The initiative is designed to strengthen New York’s agricultural sector by helping producers adopt advanced practices, upgrade equipment, and expand infrastructure.

Beneficiaries include apple and vegetable growers, dairy processors, and craft beverage makers, all working to bring New York State Grown & Certified products to market.

“Congratulations to all the recipients of this terrific program, which is providing funding for much-needed infrastructure enhancements and equipment that support the innovative practices taking place today on farms and food businesses across the State," Commissioner Ball said.

"These improvements will ultimately help our farms and agribusinesses meet the growing needs of the industry and consumer demand, including producing food that is grown and packed with food safety measures and environmental consideration top of mind, which is what the NYS Grown & Certified program is all about.”

The NYS G&C ITRD grant program was established to support businesses involved in producing, processing, or distributing certified products. The latest round focused on projects that expand distribution, improve processing and packaging, and enhance production efficiency through automation. Applications were reviewed in two funding categories: projects under $50,000 and those ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.

Funding was awarded competitively across the State’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) regions. Allocations included:

• Southern Tier & Western New York: $1.7 million, awarded to 13 operations.
• Finger Lakes & Central New York: $1.7 million, with 15 recipients.
• Long Island, New York City & Mid-Hudson: $2.55 million, distributed among 21 farms and businesses.
• Mohawk Valley, Capital Region & North Country: $2.55 million, supporting 20 operations.

The program is administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Markets. It was included in Rounds XII and XIII of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

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