New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced $350,000 in funding through the Transportation for Youth to County and Local Fairs Competitive Grants Program. Now entering its second round, the program helps cover transportation and related costs to bring youth groups—who might not otherwise be able to attend—to their county and local fairs during the 2026 fair season.
Ball said the initiative supports the state’s goal of strengthening youth and agricultural programming at county fairs, improving coordination with The Great New York State Fair, and expanding agricultural education statewide.
Commissioner Ball said the program continues to build momentum. “Our county fairs are hubs for agricultural education,” he said. “This program helps more young people from different backgrounds visit a fair and learn about agriculture, perhaps sparking an interest that will lead to a career. It was a big success in its first year, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”
The grant program aims to increase youth attendance at fairs and expose them to local agriculture, domestic arts, and educational opportunities. Applicants may request up to $25,000 for projects that organize and provide transportation for youth to attend county or local fairs, with a focus on enhancing agricultural awareness and education.
Funds can be used for transportation, fair admission, meals, educational programming, and related marketing activities. Projects should help participants gain a better understanding of agriculture in New York and inspire them to explore agricultural education or careers.
Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System Grants Management System (SFS GM) by Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
The program was established following a successful 2024 pilot at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair, which helped 800 students from Utica attend the fair and learn about New York agriculture. In 2025, the first full round funded 15 projects across eight regions, giving more than 3,500 young people the chance to experience a day at the fair and connect with the state’s farming traditions. More information about the first-round projects can be found on the Department’s website.
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