New York State Grown and Certified Program to Support New York Agricultural Producers

Governor Kathy Hochul advanced a total of $5.8 million through the New York State Grown and Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Development Program to support New York agricultural producers. The New York Farm Viability Institute has been named as the regional funding program administrator as part of Round II of the NYS G&C program funded through Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The program will support New York farms and food processors by funding projects across the state to enhance on-farm infrastructure and technology capabilities, as well as to support existing and new NYS G&C program participants.

“New York’s farmers are the backbone of our state, and my administration is committed to supporting the future of our agricultural industry,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this program, we’re investing in New York farm production and food processing here in our state to ensure the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Request for Proposals for the grant program

As program administrator, NYFVI will develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the grant program. The portion of funding allocated to the REDC region that includes the Mohawk Valley is:

• Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and North Country – $1.5 million for capital projects; $200,000 for research and development projects

NYFVI staff work with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop an application process for farms and food businesses.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for funding, all projects must implement new and innovative practices or approaches designed to meet industry needs and consumer demand. They must also have a direct, timely benefit to support New York’s agricultural industry and hold significance to the region served by focusing on one or more of the following priority areas:

• Production automation and labor efficiency
• Distribution capacity enhancement
• Processing and packing
• Food safety
• Environmental sustainability directly related to NYS G&C participation
• New product development targeting consumer demand

Additional information about the program — including how to apply for funding — will be made available in the coming months.

NYFVI will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the program, including conducting educational and promotional activities to ensure industry participation; accepting and evaluating proposals; awarding grants; executing and administering contracts, including contract oversight and reporting to the Department; and ensuring that awarded entities enroll in NYS G&C.

Funding for the NYS G&C ITRD Program was included for the first time in 2022 through Round 12 of the REDC initiative and offered as a second iteration in Round 13. Prospective grant applicants can review program details and sign up for an alert to be notified by the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) when applications are being accepted by signing up at this link on the NYFVI website.