FVI Grant Program for Researchers and Educators in New York

The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) is dedicated to improving the economic viability of New York's farmers. Through a competitive grant process, NYFVI funds a diverse range of projects across all commodity areas and for farms of all sizes and production types. The institute's mission is directly aligned with fostering sustainable and prosperous agricultural practices within the state, ensuring that the economic well-being of New York's agricultural community is continuously enhanced. This grant program is a cornerstone of that mission, channeling resources to initiatives that promise tangible economic benefits. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State farmers, encompassing both for-profit and non-profit farmer groups. The program also encourages participation from researchers, educators, organizations, agencies, and businesses who can collaborate with farmers. The overarching impact goal is to improve operational practices, foster industry-wide innovation, incubate new ideas, enhance routes to market and marketing practices, and develop human capital within the agricultural sector. Projects funded are specifically required to work with NYS farmers and demonstrate measurable outcomes and impacts that benefit the state's agriculture. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP), which seeks work that addresses critical areas for farmer improvement. These include enhancing operational efficiency, stimulating innovation across the industry, supporting the development of novel agricultural concepts, optimizing market access and promotional strategies, and strengthening the workforce within agriculture. Applicants are encouraged to engage with farmers to understand their challenges and opportunities, ensuring that proposals are relevant and impactful, thereby maximizing the potential for positive change within the farming community. In terms of expected outcomes and measurable results, funded projects must demonstrate how they will benefit agriculture in New York State. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "measure outcomes and impacts" suggests a focus on quantifiable improvements in economic viability, operational efficiency, market access, or human capital development. The NYFVI's strategic approach involves farmer review panels evaluating proposals and a farmer board making final funding decisions, ensuring that projects are grounded in real-world agricultural needs and have the highest potential for success and lasting impact. The grant size for individual projects can range from $15,000 to $125,000, with work carried out over 6 months to 2 years. Approximately $1.5 million is awarded in each grant round. Funding decisions are typically made in late January, with contracts awarded immediately thereafter. Projects must commence between April 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, and be completed within 24 months of their start date. This structured timeline and funding mechanism underscore the institute's commitment to strategic and timely investment in projects that align with its goal of improving the economic viability of New York’s farmers.