The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting proposals for program administrators for Round 2 of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program and the Beginning Farmers Grant Program. These programs, which are both entering their second round, aim to expand opportunities to farmers who are less likely to enter or succeed in the agricultural field, whether due to lack of experience, inability to access resources or social and economic discrimination. Funding for the programs was provided in the New York State Budget and built on the State’s work to expand opportunities in agriculture to more New Yorkers.
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program (RFP 0322)
The Department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the $2 million second round of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program, which was funded in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 New York State Budget to assist 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 materially and substantially participate in operating a farm within a region of the state. This may include urban farmers. Grants will be awarded to start up, improve or expand a farm operation; provide worker or apprenticeship training; purchase agricultural land, infrastructure, equipment, or livestock; and more.
Socially disadvantaged individuals include those who have been subject to discrimination due to their race or ethnicity, including those who identify as Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander. Economically disadvantaged farmers are socially disadvantaged individuals whose farming opportunities have been hindered due to diminished capital, credit opportunities, or access to land, among other things, as compared to other similarly situated individuals who are not socially disadvantaged.
For more information about this opportunity, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0322-administrator-socially-and-economically-disadvantaged-farmers-competitive-grant. Proposals must be received by the Department by 3:00 pm on January 24, 2025.
Beginning Farmers Grant Program (RFP 0321)
Additionally, the Department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the $2 million second round of the Beginning Farmers 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 materially and substantially participate in operating a farm within a region of New York State. This may include urban farmers. Grants will be awarded to start up, improve, or expand a farm operation; provide worker or apprenticeship 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 be received by the Department by 3:00 pm on January 24, 2025.
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