John May Farm Safety Fund

The John May Farm Safety Fund, administered by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, is dedicated to improving the health and safety conditions on small and medium-sized farms in New York State. Established in honor of Dr. John May, who co-founded NYCAMH in the 1980s, the fund supports the legacy of enhancing agricultural workplace safety by addressing common hazards and facilitating meaningful upgrades. This fund is made possible through contributions from individuals, foundations, and public agencies including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Department of Health, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The grant provides matching funds of up to $5,000 to eligible farms to support safety-related repairs and improvements. Eligible applicants must be active farmers residing in New York State, with a gross annual farm income between $10,000 and $999,999, or be a dairy farm regardless of income. The program’s focus is on reducing injuries and fatalities on farms by subsidizing the cost of safety upgrades. The application process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, with a structured multi-step review that includes farm safety assessments and project validation. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals outlining safety needs, projected costs, and expected upgrades. Once submitted, applications undergo an initial review to confirm completeness and eligibility. Following this, a NYCAMH farm safety specialist visits the applicant's farm for a free, confidential safety walkthrough. This step ensures that the proposed project aligns with safety goals and includes expert suggestions for other potential improvements. Once reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee, successful applicants receive approval and can commence their projects. Applicants must wait for official approval before incurring any costs, as expenses prior to approval are not reimbursed. Farms have one year to complete the project. During implementation, NYCAMH staff maintain contact to monitor progress. Upon completion, applicants submit receipts and proof of work, after which reimbursement of 50 percent of costs, up to $5,000, is issued. The program is not offered on a rolling basis and no specific recurring cycle is indicated. Important dates for application opening or deadlines are not disclosed, suggesting applicants should reach out directly for up-to-date submission timelines. Interested individuals may contact NYCAMH at 800-343-7527 or via email at JMFSF@bassett.org for assistance. To date, the John May Farm Safety Fund has funded 360 projects, distributing over $1.4 million to support safer farm operations across New York State. By funding essential safety measures, this initiative aims to reduce injury risks and help farm families maintain viable, secure workplaces.