By Blake Jackson
New York State has opened applications for the second round of its Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program, providing financial assistance to farmers who face barriers to entering or expanding agricultural businesses.
Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced the new funding opportunity, which is designed to help farmers who may have had fewer opportunities because of discrimination, limited access to capital, credit, land, or other agricultural resources.
“The Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program allows New York to assist farmers who have not always had the same opportunities to start and grow a farm operation," Commissioner Ball said.
"I’m grateful to our partners, the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, for continuing to administer this grant program and ensuring individuals who have encountered certain barriers have access to the resources they need to cultivate a successful business. I encourage all eligible farmers to take advantage of this opportunity,” Ball added.
The program is administered by the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC), which began working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets in 2023.
The initiative was established through funding included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 Enacted Budget and reflects New York’s broader effort to make agricultural opportunities more accessible.
Funding is being offered through the “Landing Access: Novel Directions (LAND) Project.” The initiative is intended to assist farmers experiencing social or economic obstacles that can make it difficult to establish or maintain a successful farm business.
Eligible expenses cover a broad range of agricultural needs. Farmers can seek support for starting, improving, or expanding their operations, as well as purchasing machinery, equipment, or livestock.
Grants may also help finance the construction or improvement of farm structures, including semi-permanent facilities, and support marketing activities.
The second funding round makes a total of $750,000 available, with individual awards of up to $50,000. Additional funding rounds expected to be announced in the coming weeks will provide opportunities for grants of up to $250,000.
Applications for the current round open September 23, 2026, and will remain available until November 30, 2026. Farmers with questions about the LAND Project can contact NEFOC at hutch@nefoclandtrust.org.
The grant program is part of New York’s continuing efforts to expand agricultural markets, improve food access for underserved communities, and strengthen the state’s farming sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy