Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in early June announced the New Farmers Grant Fund will provide more than $743,000 in grants to support 25 early-stage agricultural businesses across New York state. The recipients include several farms in Northern New York. The purpose of the fund, now in its second round, is to help early-stage farmers in […]
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in early June announced the New Farmers Grant Fund will provide more than $743,000 in grants to support 25 early-stage agricultural businesses across New York state. The recipients include several farms in Northern New York.
The purpose of the fund, now in its second round, is to help early-stage farmers in improving their farm’s profitability. The goal is that it will help grow and diversify New York’s agricultural sector, the state says.
“This funding will support new and emerging agribusinesses as they expand their operations, develop and market high quality products and generate new growth in their communities,” Cuomo said in a news release.
Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the fund. More than 55 applications were submitted for program funding in this round. Projects were scored competitively based on specific criteria, including demonstration of project readiness. Grant funds will be used for project costs associated with the expansion of production, construction of farm buildings, purchase of equipment and seed, or upgrades to increase efficiency and boost production, according to the release.
The New Farmers Grant Fund award recipients include the following farms:
- Ingersoll Farms – Oswego County: $49,051
- Michael & Carrie Higby – Lewis County: $18,000
- North Branch Farms – Jefferson County: $45,000
- Echo Farm – Essex County: $26,599
- Full and By Farm, LLC – Essex County: $16,000
- Juniper Hill Farm – Essex County: $49,783
- Mace Chasm Farm, LLC – Essex County: $50,000
The announced funding brings the total amount provided to new farmers to nearly $1.4 million. Last year, 19 early-stage farmers received a portion of more than $610,000 to support the use of innovative agricultural techniques on commercial-farm operations statewide, the release stated.
“The future of New York agriculture depends on encouraging people to follow in the footsteps of our hardworking farmers and take on the challenge of growing and producing the fresh, healthy foods that feed our state — and our world. Already, this program has helped new farmers across the state build solid foundations that are helping their agribusinesses to succeed,” New York Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie said in the release. Ritchie, a Republican, represents the 48th district in the State Senate. The district includes all of Oswego and Jefferson counties and part of St. Lawrence County.
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