New York Farms Get $13.7M for Resilient Food Systems

By Blake Jackson

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that 19 farm and food organizations across New York will receive a total of $13.7 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program.

This funding is part of a broader initiative launched last year in collaboration with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to build a more resilient and efficient food supply chain in New York State.

“Farmers are our lifeblood they nourish our families and fuel our economy, and it is more important than ever that we invest in projects that bolster our local food supply chain here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said.

“The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program provides critical funding to make our food systems at the local and state level more resilient for years to come by investing in projects that modernize agricultural facilities, improve training, and facilitate the purchase of new equipment. I’m proud to support this great work and shore up a strong future for New York State.”

Initially introduced in May 2024, the RFSI program makes more than $14.7 million available through two funding streams: Infrastructure Grants and Equipment-Only Grants.

The current $13.7 million in awards will support Infrastructure Grants focused on improving facilities and operations involved in processing, storing, transporting, and distributing agricultural products.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is working with the Farm and Food Growth Fund, Inc. (FFGF) to oversee the program.

Equipment-Only Grants will open for applications soon, offering between $30,000 and $100,000 per project to enhance post-harvest capacity with new equipment.

AGM has also partnered with Tierra Viva Collective for technical support and with Cornell University’s Dyson School and Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York Program to analyze infrastructure gaps and institutional purchasing opportunities across the state.

“The RFSI program offers us an opportunity to strengthen New York’s food system in real and meaningful ways," Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.

"The recipients of this funding will be able to modernize and construct new agricultural facilities, improve food safety, purchase new equipment, and so much more. I thank all our partners for their work moving this progressive programming forward and look forward to seeing the impact these projects have on our communities.”

Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, as the next application window will be short due to USDA’s timeline.

View the full pre-application checklist here.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus