By Blake Jackson
New York is launching two grant programs to address a major barrier for aspiring farmers: access to capital. Applications will open this fall for the Beginning Farmer Grant Program and the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program.
"Access to capital is one of the largest barriers to the start-up and success of new and beginning farms. I’m proud that the Beginning Farmer Grant Program and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program will help to alleviate these concerns for our new and underserved farmers by offering funding for projects like purchasing land, structures, livestock, and equipment; training staff; and creating marketing campaigns to help reach more customers.," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "I thank the New York Farm Viability Institute, the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and Resist Inc. for their partnership in getting this funding into the hands of those that need it most. I encourage all eligible applicants to learn more about these programs and start preparing proposals.”
The Beginning Farmer Grant Program and the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program will provide funding for a variety of needs, including purchasing land, equipment, and livestock; training; and marketing.
Programs Address Specific Needs
- Beginning Farmer Grant Program: Administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute, this program targets new farm businesses operating in New York for less than ten years. Grants range from $5,000 to $250,000 based on project complexity. Applications open October 25, 2024 and close January 24, 2025.
- Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program: This program, under the name "Landing Access: Novel Directions (LAND) Project," is administered by the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC). It aims to assist farmers facing social and economic barriers due to discrimination. The first round of funding offers grants up to $5,000. Applications open December 30, 2024 and close February 14, 2025. Subsequent rounds will offer larger grants.
These grant programs are part of a broader effort by New York to increase access to agriculture for all residents. Other initiatives include:
- Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program
- Funding for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
- FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative
- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs
- New York Food For New York Families
New York is also committed to improving access to locally grown food through programs like Nourish New York, the 30 percent NYS Initiative in schools, and the Farm-to-School program.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: New York, Government & Policy