Aug 17, 2016

New York awards $18 million to increase ag production

New York state has awarded $18 million of awards of the Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The program helps farmers and agribusinesses expand and improve their operations, while promoting the responsible use and protection of the state’s natural resources. In this first round, 214 projects were awarded funding in 11 counties throughout the Southern Tier.

Eligible applicants were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and received up to $100,000 each for projects that help increase farm production and profitability and better protect or enhance natural resources. The funding will be used for costs associated with construction, renovation, irrigation, drainage, fencing, trellis systems, greenhouses, and environmental enhancements. A second round of applications will be accepted for the remaining funding, approximately $4 million.

Prior to submitting an application, awardees must have also participated in the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management program within the last three years. Agricultural Environmental Management is an incentive-based program that helps farmers meet their business goals while implementing best practices to protect the environment. Projects that are committed to increasing their environmental stewardship were also awarded an additional $10,000.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets is working in coordination with the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to administer the program.

A second round of funding, approximately $4 million, will be awarded to projects in six counties including Broome, Cattaraugus, Chenango, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins. Applications and complete eligibility requirements are available through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in those counties. Contact information for the SWCDs can be found here.