New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that US$8.5 million has been awarded to 69 farms, food processors, and distributors through the New York State Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research, and Development (NYS G&C ITRD) grant program. The funding supports agricultural operations, including apple and vegetable growers, and is used to purchase equipment and upgrade infrastructure.
Commissioner Ball said, "Congratulations to all the recipients of this terrific program, which is providing funding for much-needed infrastructure enhancements and equipment that support the innovative practices taking place today on farms and food businesses across the State. These improvements will ultimately help our farms and agribusinesses meet the growing needs of the industry and consumer demand, including producing food that is grown and packed with food safety measures and environmental consideration top of mind, which is what the NYS Grown & Certified program is all about."
The program was created to strengthen businesses producing, processing, or distributing NYS Grown & Certified food or beverage products. This round of competition prioritized projects in distribution capacity, processing and packaging, production automation, and labor efficiency. Proposals were evaluated under two tracks: projects under US$50,000 and projects between US$50,000 and US$250,000.
Funding was distributed across the state's Regional Economic Development Council regions. In the Southern Tier and Western New York, US$1.7 million was awarded, with five farms and food businesses receiving funds in the Southern Tier and eight in Western New York. In the Finger Lakes and Central New York, US$1.7 million was allocated, supporting 11 farms and food businesses in the Finger Lakes and four in Central New York. Long Island, New York City, and the Mid-Hudson region received US$2.55 million, with eight farms and food businesses funded on Long Island, three in New York City, and 10 in the Mid-Hudson region. The Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, and North Country together received US$2.55 million, with six farms and food businesses in the Mohawk Valley, 10 in the Capital Region, and four in the North Country.
The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI), in coordination with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the program. Dave Grusenmeyer, Executive Director of NYFVI, said: "NYFVI is pleased to administer this program for NYS Grown & Certified food and beverage producers, and we thank the reviewers for their ag business and economic development expertise. The NY agriculture community is fortunate to have the NYS Grown & Certified program, these grants, and a government that uses its purchasing power to support the local food system. New York consumers should look for the NYS G&C label to support their local farms and enjoy great locally grown and produced food and beverage products."
For more information:
NYS Grown & Certified
Tel: +1 518 457 0752
+1 315 530 8704
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.agriculture.ny.gov
