New York boosts urban agriculture with $1 million in grants

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced $1 million in funding for urban farms and community gardens across the state. This initiative, awarded through Round 2 of the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program, aims to strengthen local food security and support the growth of these vital community spaces.

Funding came from the FY 2023 budget and aligns with Governor Hochul's commitment to increase access to fresh, local food for all New Yorkers. "Our community gardens are essential for healthy neighborhoods and ensuring access to nutritious food," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for recognizing the unique role these gardens play and congratulated the 22 awardees.

Grants ranged from $22,000 to $50,000 and were awarded to organizations focusing on food production, safety, and distribution, with the goal of creating a lasting impact on local food resilience. The funds will be used for garden expansion, building structures, purchasing equipment, and establishing educational programs.

Projects funded include Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School's initiative and initiatives in New York City aimed at increasing food production in community and school gardens. Upstate, recipients include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County's expansion of the Morrisville Community Learning Garden and Poughkeepsie Farm Project's efforts to build a network of urban growers in the city.

This grant round follows a successful first round that awarded $800,000 to 35 organizations. Larkin Podsiedlik, from Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County, expressed their appreciation for the funding, highlighting its role in expanding their garden's reach and educational programs.

Julia Tedesco, from Foodlink, a Rochester-based food bank with an urban farm, emphasized how the grant will provide crucial resources for their community members to grow healthy food. Laura Montoya, from Poughkeepsie Farm Project, described how the grant will support their youth internship program and create leadership opportunities for young adults interested in urban agriculture and food justice careers.

The Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program is just one piece of a broader initiative by Governor Hochul. Her 2023 State of the State plan included additional programs recommended by the Community Gardens Task Force. These include:

• The New York State Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program: This will offer a comprehensive and affordable curriculum for garden leaders, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• The New York State Soil Testing Program: This program allows eligible gardens to submit soil samples for free testing, promoting soil health.
• The Community Garden Land Access Toolkit: This resource will assist municipalities and community groups in strengthening partnerships and protecting existing gardens while creating new ones.

With over 3,000 registered community gardens, New York recognizes the importance of these spaces. The Department of Agriculture and Markets works to connect community groups with resources and support urban agriculture initiatives throughout the state. This grant program is a significant step towards a more resilient and food-secure future for New Yorkers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid