"New Farmer Grant" Awarded to 30 New Farms Across NY State

Governor Cuomo recently announced 30 farms to receive funds through the "New Farmer Grant" initiative, which aims to support new and beginning farmers throughout New York. Over the past 5 years, 114 Farmers throughout the state have received a share of $4.2 million. This year, 30 farms will be entering the New Farmer Cohort, and will collectively be receiving approximately $1 million.

The Governors website   shared the projects the farms will manifest with the grant money. Ideas included using the funds to support low tillage practices, while others are utilizing the funds to help diversify their production and improve infrastructure.

Senator Jen Metzger noted that roughly 33% of New York's farmers are 65 years of age or older. This New Farmer Grant aims to support the next generation of farmers to ensure the vitality of our states food supply. 

Roughly 95% of New York’s farmers are white according to the recent agricultural census. While the New Farmer Grant is a step in the right direction, there are no state-wide attempts to address racial inequity by supporting farmers of color. We are working with black and brown farmers and farm educators across the state to urge New York legislators to continue to do better.