A funding grant of $1 million is available to assist
new and early-stage farmers through the New York State New Farmers
Grant Fund. Now in its third year, the program builds upon the success
of 2015 when more than $743,000 was awarded to 25 early-stage farms
across the state to support the continued growth of New York’s
agriculture industry. To date, nearly $1.4 million has been provided to
41 farms throughout New York State to expand their operations and
improve their profitability.
"New York's farmers are a rich part of this state's heritage and remain essential to the success of our economy," Governor Cuomo said.
"This funding will support the expansion of farms as they increase
production and help ensure this remains a strong and sustainable
industry for generations to come."
The $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will
provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50 percent of
eligible project costs, with the remaining 50 percent being matched by
the recipient. All owners of eligible farms must be within the first ten
years of ownership and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in
income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm. Eligible
project costs include the purchase of farm machinery, supplies and
equipment, and construction or improvement of farm structures. Empire
State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of
Agriculture and Markets, administers the fund.
This year, the program has eliminated the
150 acres or less requirement and is now accepting farm applicants of
all sizes. The application and guidelines for the New York State New
Farmers Grant Fund are available online. The deadline for submission is January 27, 2017.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie said,
"Across our state, the New Farmers Grant Fund is providing people who
are new to agriculture with the resources necessary to start their
businesses, and those who are just starting with the support they need
to continue on the road to success. I have been proud to advocate for
funding of the New Farmers Grant Fund, which will continue to help to
protect the future of our state’s leading industry, and encourage those
looking to pursue careers in farming to apply for funding."
Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee said,
"It is important that we support beginning farmers with tools and
training, and that we make available the resources they need to go
forward with a career in agricultural production. The New York State New
Farmers Grant Fund will benefit those who have the desire to farm, as
well as everyone who has an appreciation for New York grown products,
and I thank Governor Cuomo for incentivizing and encouraging careers in
farming through these awards."
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture
and Markets recently launched a resource page for new farmers interested
in starting their own farm and early-stage farmers looking to diversify
or expand operations. Resources for New Farmers,
located on the Department's website, provides information on state
regulations, job training, land ownership, farm financing, marketing and
other areas critical to starting a farm operation.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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