By Elizabeth Higgins, Business Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension, ENYCHP
Here is some updated information about this program. Applications are not being accepted yet, but there is now a little more information about how the program will work.
Using RFSI funding, NYS Ag and Markets will partner with Farm and Food Growth Fund (led by Todd Erling of HVADC), to administer the grant program to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products).
NYS Ag and Markets will also partner with Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust to provide technical assistance to producers and conduct supply chain coordination activities.
Grant Opportunities
Two grant opportunities will be available for New York agricultural businesses:
Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 - $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups.
Equipment-Only Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding equipment for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Eligible applicants may request awards in the amount of $10,000 - $100,000. No match is required for Equipment-Only Grants.
Applications are expected to open this spring.
Agriculture Energy Audit Program - NYSERDA
NYSERDA offers free energy audits to identify energy efficiency measures for eligible farms and on-farm producers, including but not limited to: dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. In addition, greenhouse facilities can receive a free benchmarking report that describes their energy use intensity and benchmarks their facility against an anonymous aggregate of peer facilities. Farms must be customers of a New York State investor-owned utility and contribute to the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Please check your current electricity bills. Due Date: Continuous