New York Expands Funding for Farms and Regional Food Supply

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, alongside the Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC) and the NASDA Foundation, has announced a second round of funding, totaling $10 million, to bolster small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, including aquaculture and wild-caught marine enterprises.

This Business Builder program aims to support businesses in scaling operations, expanding markets, and strengthening the regional food supply chain.

"This additional funding as part of the Northeast Regional Food Business Center initiative will help our small-and medium-size farms and businesses grow their operations while impacting the overall food supply chain," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

"It is another resource for us here at the Department as we work to strengthen the food system from farmer to consumer and we’re grateful to all the partners involved in supporting this funding opportunity."

Funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the NERFBC is part of a national effort to build a more resilient food supply chain and support historically underinvested producers and businesses. Partners include Buffalo Go Green and Cornell University’s CREA.

Following the first round of awards in October 2024, which distributed $2 million to 17 technical assistance organizations, the NERFBC has launched a second funding opportunity.

The Center also features a Community Hub with a Technical Assistance Provider Directory to assist with grant writing, marketing, and business development.

Awards in this round will range from $15,000 to $100,000, divided into three specialized funding tracks: Equipment Acquisition ($25,000-$50,000), Business Development ($15,000-$25,000), and Product and Market Expansion ($50,000-$100,000).

Applications are open until April 7, with awardees announced in July and projects beginning in August. The Center has provided a pre-recorded webinar and will host live informational webinars on March 19 and 27 to support applicants.

For more information and to apply, visit the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website.

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