NY agriculture - $2M in grants to strengthen local farms

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is launching a major initiative to support small and medium-sized farms. Partnering with the Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC), they are offering a first round of $2 million in funding to strengthen local food systems.

This funding targets two key areas:

• Direct Business Assistance: $1.2 million is available for technical assistance providers. These consultants will offer crucial business services to farms, helping them grow and reach new markets.
• Technical Assistance Network Development: An additional $800,000 will fund the creation of regional networks of technical assistance providers across the Northeast. This will create a stronger support system for farms throughout the region.

"The Northeast Regional Food Business Center offers a tremendous boost to New York State’s efforts to build a more resilient food supply chain and bridge gaps in our food system.," said Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "By providing targeted resources, we can empower small and mid-sized farms to thrive."

The NERFBC is a five-year program funded by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. It aims to build a more resilient food supply chain and support underserved producers.

Organizations offering business services to farms can compete for grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. These services can include:

• Business planning and development
• Value chain coordination (connecting farms with buyers)
• Market development (identifying new sales channels)
• Financial guidance
• Training and professional development
• Production expansion and new product development

Grants of $100,000 to $200,000 are also available for organizations that create regional networks of technical assistance providers. These networks can connect farms with the specific expertise they need, based on industry, market, or location.

The deadline to apply for funding is August 23, 2024. Applications are submitted through the NERFBC Award application portal (https://www.fluxx.io/). Selected awardees will be announced in early October.

This initiative is a significant step forward for New York agriculture. By supporting small farms and building a strong regional support network, the NERFBC can create a more vibrant and resilient food system.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes