NEW YORK — State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently announced that the Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting proposals from program administrators for the second round of the Farmer Grant Program socially and economically disadvantaged and the subsidy program for beginning farmers.

According to a press release, these programs, both entering their second cycle, aim to expand opportunities to farmers who are less likely to enter or succeed in the agricultural field, whether due to a lack experience, inability to access resources or social problems. and economic discrimination. Funding for these programs was provided in the state budget and builds on the state’s work to expand opportunities in the agricultural sector to more New Yorkers.

“I encourage all eligible entities to consider administering second tranches of these important funds, which help provide a boost to farmers who are just starting out or who face disproportionate barriers to success when starting out or grow their business,” Ball said. in the version. “These programs are critical to ensuring our agriculture industry is inclusive of all New Yorkers and that we are building a strong generation of farmers ready to take the reins and continue our growth.”

Subsidy program for socially and economically disadvantaged farmers

The Department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the second round of the $2 million Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program, which was funded through the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 New York State Budgets to help farmers who face disproportionate barriers to success due to discrimination.

The selected administrator will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, on a competitive basis, to eligible socially and economically disadvantaged farmers who will participate materially and substantially in the operation of a farm in an area of ​​the State. This can include urban farmers. Grants will be awarded to start, improve or expand a farm; provide worker or apprentice training; purchase agricultural land, infrastructure, equipment or livestock; and more.

Socially disadvantaged people include those who have experienced discrimination based on their race or ethnicity, including those who identify as black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino , Asian or Pacific Islander. Economically disadvantaged farmers are socially disadvantaged individuals whose agricultural opportunities have been hindered due to decreased capital, credit opportunities, or access to land, among other things, compared to other individuals in a similar situation who are not socially disadvantaged.

For more information about this opportunity, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0322-administrator-socially-and-enomically-disadvantaged-farmers-competitive-grant. Proposals must reach the Ministry no later than 3 p.m. on January 24, 2025.

Beginning Farmer Grant Program

Additionally, the department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the second round of $2 million of the Beginning Farmer Grant Program. The selected administrator will award grants of $5,000 to $250,000 on a competitive basis to farmers who have not operated a farm for more than ten years and who will participate materially and substantially in the operation of a farm in an area of New York State. This can include urban farmers. Grants will be awarded to start, improve or expand a farm; provide worker or apprentice training; purchase agricultural land, infrastructure, equipment or livestock; and more.

For more information about this opportunity, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0321-administrator-beginning-farmers-competitive-grant-program. Proposals must reach the Ministry before 3 p.m. on January 24, 2025.

An informational webinar for both opportunities will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 3 p.m. To register, email John Ross or Kate Tozzi at [email protected] by Wednesday, December 4.

The Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program and the Beginning Farmer Grant Program provide support to New York farmers who are new to farming or who face disproportionate social and economic barriers to success. Opening the doors to all farmers is a critical part of New York State’s agricultural landscape that will help ensure a strong, diverse and well-supported agricultural future.

In October, the Ministry announced that the first rounds of programs would open applications this fall.

These programs build on Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to strengthen New York’s agriculture by creating a strong agricultural workforce pipeline and increasing access to agricultural careers for all New Yorkers.

This includes efforts such as the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program; continued funding for minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences (MANRRS); and dedicated funding committed in New York State’s FY 2025 adopted budget to advance New York State’s agricultural workforce and help agricultural employers and employees adapt to the evolution of work landscapes.

Additionally, the state’s adopted budget for FY 2024 invested more than $1 million to help the department partner with key workforce experts, stakeholders in the industry and educational institutions to design a “whole systems approach to agricultural workforce development,” to develop and grow a pipeline that recruits. new jobseekers, advances existing employees and connects migrants and asylum seekers to the food and agriculture sectors through the following four key pillars: career mobilizers, career starters, career builders and career advancements.