New York Agriculture Grants

This program provides funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help farms manage nutrient runoff and reduce methane emissions through various conservation practices.

This program provides funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help CAFO-permitted farmers improve manure management practices, reduce methane emissions, and enhance nutrient conservation.

This program provides free soil testing for community gardens in New York State to ensure food safety and promote soil health by analyzing heavy metals and nutrients.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) is the administrator for a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program with a focus on enhancing, growing and improving the mid-channel of the food supply chain. Donor Name: Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, and with allocations made to all 50 states plus districts and commonwealths, the goals are to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products. Meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild caught seafood products are not considered under this program. The RFSI program will make infrastructure awards to businesses and organizations operating in the middle-of-the-supply chain. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications must benefit multiple producers and multiple markets, and may be collaborative applications. The grant program is to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets. Priorities and Objectives Support infrastructure development to expand business’ capacity for processing, aggregation, storage and distribution. Target development of infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries to support the development of new value-added products. Create greater market access to intermediaries such as food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Funding Information Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 – $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups. Eligible Activities  Construction Hiring term-limited personnel to assist with project implementation activities. Purchasing special purpose equipment to benefit multiple producers through middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution or targeted agricultural product. Analyzing potential facility upgrades and changes to meet regulatory requirements, obtaining design and/or architecture services. Planning for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) or other food safety or worker safety measures or equipment recommendations. Upgrades to new facilities for processing specific agricultural products, such as: On-farm post-harvest processing, preservation, and storage/cold storage. Post-harvest cleaning and grading. Aggregator warehouse and storage, including cooperatives. Purchase of freezing equipment, freezer, or cold storage. Processing, canning, preserving and pasteurization. Preparation and packing. Drying, hulling, shelling and milling. Cooking, baking, juicing, distilling, fermenting Retail related activities can include creating distribution channels to new retail opportunities, or expanding processing and packaging capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new retail product lines. Eligibility Criteria  Who is eligible? New York State agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations Local government entities Tribal governments Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. What is eligible? Projects that expand processing capacity, including product type, increased production volume, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines, modernize equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs or retooling, purchase installation of specialized equipment, modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems, enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements, construct new facilities, increase packaging and labeling capacities, increase storage space, develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment, modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, and train on the use of new equipment and new processes. Some examples include: Expanding processing capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines; Modernizing equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs, or retooling; (e.g., adapting product lines for institutional procurement or adding parallel processing capacity); Purchase installation of specialized equipment, such as processing components, sorting equipment, packing, and labeling equipment, or delivery vehicles; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Increasing packaging and labeling capacities that meet compliance requirements under applicable laws; (e.g. sealing, bagging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment); Increasing storage space, including cold storage; Develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals; Modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, including associated Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) consultation, plan development and employee training; Training on the use of all equipment purchased under the grant and associated new processes. For more information, visit FFGF.

This grant provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in selected New York counties for various recreational trail projects, including construction, planning, rehabilitation, and educational initiatives.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2024 Farm- to-School Competitive Grants Program. Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Farm-to-School is the promotion and use of foods produced by New York State farmers in meals served in cafeterias of K-12 schools. Associations between farms and schools through the cafeteria and classroom can enhance the quality of food served. With over 700 school districts in New York State, there is the opportunity to foster relationships among New York State farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit school-age children. While serving New York State produced food in school cafeterias may seem simple, developing Farm-to-School connections highlights several challenges, particularly the lack of an established infrastructure or network of stakeholders that includes all the necessary parties: farmers, food service directors, food service contract management companies, food distributors, processors, agricultural organizations, and commodity organizations. Other challenges include: Seasonality: Farmers plan their crops in January, long before schools make purchasing decisions and place bids for products in the summer. In addition, the summer growing season is when schools are not in session. Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing: schools require produce to be served in standard units and meet specifications. Processing and packaging: schools require vegetables and fruits to be processed and packaged in standard units. Bidding: sending and reviewing bids from individual farmers can be time-consuming and complex for school procurement and fiscal staff. Delivery/pick up: distribution can be complicated when purchasing from multiple growers. Lack of equipment and skills to store, prepare and serve fresh produce procured for school meals programs. Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods. Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff. The New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program began in 2015 to increase school’s purchase of New York specialty crops by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences. The objective of Farm to School projects must be to increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools/districts and served in school meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to include other objectives including agricultural and nutrition education gardening activities and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged. Applicants may include partners in their project budget as contractors Funding Information A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. This year, $300,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $100,000. Project Duration Proposed projects must be completed within two years of the contract start date. Contract term will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2026. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities Charter schools Not-for-profit organizations Indian tribal organizations. For more information, visit NYSDAM.

This funding opportunity supports municipalities in the Hudson River Valley to develop plans and projects that enhance their scenic, natural, and cultural resources while promoting regional collaboration and community development.

The Intentional Development Group is proud to announce The Small Business Boost Grant, a program designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the City of Youngstown’s economic landscape. Donor Name: Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Small Business Boost Program, managed by The Intentional Development Group with funds provided by the City of Youngstown, will help boost the economic impact of Small Businesses within the City of Youngstown. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions. Applications must be for ONE of the following: Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management; Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects Track 2: Adaptation and Resiliency; Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry); Track 3B: Soil Health Systems; OR Track 4: Agricultural Forest Management. Funding Information Total Available Funding: $28,750,000 Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency $5,000,000 State Funds Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems & BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 3B: Soil Health Systems: $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (carbon sequestration): $750,000 State Funds. Eligibility Requirements  Proposals for funding will be accepted from NYS Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts). Proposals may be for multiple projects and/or on multiple farm operations but must be for one Track only. Districts may submit more than one application, including separate applications for multiple Tracks on the same farm operation. For more information, visit Department of Agriculture and Markets.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, food pantries, schools, and farmers markets in Columbia County, New York, to improve access to fresh and healthy food for low-income households and address food insecurity.

This program provides free energy audits to eligible farms in New York to help them identify ways to save on energy costs and improve efficiency.

NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of New York A total of up to $500,000 is available for the New York CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $500,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 10, 2024. [AF1] For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. Applicants are encouraged to visit the New York State CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. The agency anticipates making selections by June 10, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 26, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This fund provides matching financial support to small and mid-sized New York farms for safety improvements and repairs, helping them create a safer working environment.

The Onondaga County Department of Planning is excited to announce the 2024 Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program. Donor Name: Onondaga County Department of Planning State: New York County: Onondaga County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Onondaga County is seeking to partner with the local agricultural community to enhance the viability of the valuable farmland and protect farms and farm operators for future generations. In recognition of the role that agritourism plays in farm viability, tourism, and quality of life in Onondaga County, Onondaga County Department of Planning is pleased to share the Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program, with individual awards of up to $15,000 to agritourism ventures. These grants may be used to cover a variety of projects to grow and enhance agritourism operations in four general categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate and Market. Funds may be used for projects or programs such as expanding or diversifying operations, improving safety and ease of access, or adding new educational programming. New agritourism ventures may use the funding to help offset costs of getting started on a new venture or product. For more information, visit Onondaga County Department of Planning.

County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Planning Grants in New York aim to support local efforts to sustain the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry and its land base, while also preserving the environment and landscape associated with agriculture. Eligible counties can receive grants of up to $50,000 or 50% of the planning costs (whichever is less) to develop a county agriculture and farmland protection plan. The county must contribute at least 20% in cash (with no more than 80% in in-kind services), and two counties can collaborate on an application. Counties with an established agricultural and farmland protection board that have not had an approved plan in the last ten years are eligible for funding.

The Municipal Agriculture and Farmland Protection Planning Grants in New York aim to support local initiatives that sustain the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry and its supporting land base, while also preserving the environment and landscape values associated with agriculture. These grants are available to municipalities (cities, towns, and villages) for developing local farmland protection plans through zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations. Eligible municipalities can receive grants up to $25,000 or 75% of the cost for plan development, with a required local funding share of at least 20% in cash. Collaboration between two municipalities on an application is permitted. Additionally, any municipality without a previous agricultural and farmland protection plan is eligible for funding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to private property owners in New York City for installing green roofs to help manage stormwater runoff.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Lewis County, NY, by providing financial assistance for creative projects that enhance their visibility in the community.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program seeks to increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester receiving summer meals and the number of days meals are served. Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation State: New York City: Rochester Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Summer Meals program is federally funded and designed to provide food to youth when the regular school year is not in session. The program serves youth 18 and under who are in programs that serve, or are located near, a school with at least 50% free and reduced meals eligibility rates. The City of Rochester is designated a high-need area, making all youth in the city eligible for summer meals. The Summer Meals program (officially the Summer Food Service Program) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Proposals may include requests for one or more of the following: A Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to increase the Summer Meals site’s capacity to serve additional children and/or to extend the number of days of meal service. One-time capital purchases to increase the capacity of the Summer Meals site to serve additional children and/or extend the number of days of meal service. Examples include purchase of tables, chairs, and coolers. Examples can be found here: Refrigeration and dining, Equipment One-time capital purchase of equipment or supplies that will encourage physical activity and fun, thus increasing the capacity of the provider to serve additional summer meals as more youth may be enticed to participate. Categories  Children  Equity  Youth  Funding Information Up to $15,000. Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be an approved partner of one of the three main Summer Meals sponsors in Rochester (the City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) for meal delivery, or maintains its own LEA status with NYSED for Summer Meal sponsorship; AND An organization, church, or government entity that has previously provided reimbursable Summer Meals through the New York State Department of Education under the Summer Food Service Program in the City of Rochester; OR A 501(c)(3) organization or 509(a)(1) public organization Previous Summer Meals Mini-Grant recipients are eligible to reapply, but priority may be given to organizations that have not received Summer Meals Mini-Grants in the past. For more information, visit RACF.