New York Invests $1.5M in Specialty Crop Research

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), working with the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI), has announced more than $1.5 million in funding for nine projects focused on research, education, and marketing. The initiatives aim to improve the competitiveness and long-term growth of New York’s specialty crop industry.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, maple syrup, and honey. These products represent an important part of the state's agricultural economy.

AGM obtained the funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

“The Specialty Crop Block Grant program supports the strength of New York’s specialty crops by investing in research, encouraging innovation, and helping our agricultural community remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "I look forward to seeing these important projects come to fruition and support New York’s agricultural landscape for years to come.”

“New York’s specialty crop growers are facing new pests, a changing climate, and rising labor costs, and these projects take on all three," said Aaron Ristow, Executive Director of the New York Farm Viability Institute.

"Our farmer-led review process makes sure these dollars go to practical research that New York growers can put to work on their farms.”

Through the partnership, NYFVI recommended slightly more than $1 million for six research and educational initiatives. Four projects will be conducted at Cornell University, one at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and another at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

The research will examine insecticide performance against spotted lanternflies during high summer temperatures, identify effective wage and benefit structures for agricultural workers, improve white mold management, and develop disease-resistant hop varieties suited to New York's climate.

Another project will investigate titanium dioxide photocatalytic nanoparticles as a potential method for controlling grape downy mildew while protecting soil health.

The final initiative will create a strategic roadmap to strengthen the future of New York’s Concord grape industry.

An additional $450,000 will support specialty crop marketing and promotional activities at trade shows, encourage Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits, and provide technical assistance to growers.

Together, these investments aim to address production challenges, encourage innovation, and strengthen the market position of New York's specialty crop producers.

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