The Ulster County Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, administered by the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC), provides financial support to small and mid-sized farms in Ulster County, New York. This grant program aims to promote increased farm viability, energy efficiency, and climate resiliency among local farms to ensure long-term sustainability and economic health in the face of climate change and evolving market challenges.
The program defines a small farm as one with a net annual income below $350,000 and a mid-sized farm as one with a net annual income below $1,000,000. Grant funds can be used for services, equipment, production costs, and other expenses that support economic and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects must demonstrate both an increase in farm viability and either improvements in energy efficiency or climate resiliency. Applications must show that the project addresses deficiencies in current systems, contributes to future operational success, and delivers measurable results.
The application window opened on March 19, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. Awards are anticipated by late summer 2025, and all projects must be completed by June 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted online; paper submissions will not be accepted. No late or incomplete submissions will be considered.
A total of $586,256 will be distributed through the program, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. There is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants include farms defined under Section 301 of the Agriculture and Markets Law and not-for-profit organizations engaged in farming activities. Applicants must have filed a Schedule F tax form in 2023 and received an agricultural assessment.
Examples of eligible expenses include electric or biodiesel farm vehicles, precise irrigation systems, energy-efficient upgrades, solar panels, cold storage, and installation services related to new equipment. Ineligible expenses include land purchases, unrelated construction, personnel costs, travel, advertising, and training.
For assistance or questions, applicants can email ucfarmviability@hvadc.org or call 518-432-5360. The HVADC’s office is located at 507 Warren St., 2nd Floor, Hudson, NY 12534.
