New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball has announced $2.5 million in funding is now available through the state’s Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. Now in its third round, the program supports urban farms, school gardens, and community gardens that improve food access and strengthen local food systems.
The funding, included in the FY 2025 and 2026 state budgets, builds on Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader commitment to increasing food affordability and accessibility for all New Yorkers.
“One of our priorities is making sure more New Yorkers have access to fresh, nutritious food,” Commissioner Ball said. “This program plays a key role in making that happen.”
Eligible projects can use the funding to cover costs such as wages, equipment, food production, food safety, and distribution efforts. Nonprofits, educational institutions, municipal entities, and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply. For more information, click here.
The second round of the program awarded $1 million to 22 projects statewide. With over 3,000 registered or permitted gardens in New York, the initiative is part of a larger effort to promote urban agriculture through programs such as the Community Gardens Task Force and the Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program.
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