New York state announced several
initiatives to assist new and early-stage
farmers, and encourage the continued
growth of agribusiness across the state.
The state New Farmers Grant Fund,
which will support beginning farmers and
encourage farming as a career.
Applications are being taken, said
officials from the office of Gov. Andrew
Cuomo. Deadline for submission is Jan.
28.
The $614,000 fund, enacted in the
2014-2015 state budget, will be used to
provide grants for beginning farmers
who will substantially participate in the
production of an agriculture product, and
employ the use of innovative agricultural
techniques at commercial farm operations
throughout the State.
“New York’s farmers play a central role
in New York’s economy, and today we’re
taking another step forward in supporting
them and their industry,” Cuomo said.
“By funding as much as 50 percent of the
start-up costs for young farmers, we are
creating new opportunities for young
farmers across the state and planting
the seeds for their long-term success for
seasons and generations to come.”
Officials said the $614,000 fund will
provide grants of up to $50,000 for
eligible farmers who participate in the
production of an agricultural product
on a commercial farm operation within
New York.
Funds can be used for up to 50 percent
of project costs including, but not limited
to: lease or purchase of farm machinery
and equipment; construction or expansion
of farm buildings or systems; and
purchase of supplies such as root stock,
seed or fertilizer. Empire State Development,
in consultation with the Department
of Agriculture and Markets, will
administer the fund.
Empire State Development President,
CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams
said, “Working with our partners at the
Department of Agriculture & Markets,
we are investing in the farmers of our
future and making it easier to establish an
agriculture operation in New York State.
The New York State New Farmers Grant
Fund will provide the support many of our
farmers need to grow their businesses.”
New York Farm Bureau President Dean
Norton said as the average age of farmers
increases each year, “We must encourage
both young and new farmers to become
an active part of our farming community.
Programs such as these two are an excellent
way to not only promote and develop
agriculture, but are also a great approach
to ensuring New York continues to be a
top contender in the national market.”
Officials said agriculture is one of the
most important economic drivers in the
state. According to a 2014 study published
by Professor Todd Schmit of Cornell University,
when agriculture is incorporated
with agricultural production, support services,
and manufacturing, it represents
a $53.7 billion industry in New York and
accounts for more than 200,000 jobs.
Grant applications can be found at
www.hesc.ny.gov