2007-2008 Grants Projects
2006-2007 Grants Projects
2005-2006 Grants Projects
2004-2005 Grants Projects
2003-2004 Grants Projects
2002-2003 Grants Projects
2001-2002 Grants Projects
2000-2001 Grants Projects
Other Grant Opportunities
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The New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc. (NYFVI) is an independent, non-profit organization that is led by farmers and dedicated to serving agricultural producers regardless of enterprise, size of business or location in New York. NYFVI fosters a vibrant agricultural sector in New York by supporting applied research, education, information transfer, technology adoption and market analysis to reduce practical barriers to the success of farming enterprises.
NYFVI works with input from agricultural producers, farm organizations, educators and researchers in the public and private sectors to capitalize on opportunities for and to reduce barriers to the growth of New York’s ag production sector, and to increase sales of NY agricultural products, the profitability of agricultural businesses and producer success.
The Institute works in partnership with organizations that conduct agricultural research and provide education, information, technical assistance, and advice to farms and other agricultural production businesses.
It seeks examples of more effective ways to get information and assistance to producers and fosters replication across the state.
The Institute measures the success of the programs it supports primarily through their impact on the viability of farm enterprises, in recognition of the contribution that a strong agricultural industry makes to New York State’s economy, environment and way of life.
Farmers in the Northeast who are interested in conducting innovative production and marketing projects are encouraged to apply to the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program for grant funds for projects starting in the spring.
Applications can address a broad range of agricultural issues such as pest management, soil and water conservation, aquaculture, marketing, grazing, bee health, no-till, pasture management, agroforestry, and other sustainable farming techniques. Northeast SARE defines sustainable agriculture as agriculture that is profitable, environmentally sound, and good for the community. In 2003, the average grant was about $5200; grants are capped at $10,000.
Any full- or part-time farmer in the Northeast SARE region can apply. The region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Applications and more information about the requirements of the Farmer/Grower Grant program are available on the Northeast SARE web site at www.uvm.edu/~nesare. You can also call (802) 656-0471 to request a printed application.
Cornell Cooperative Extension, South Central NY Agriculture Program
A listing of grant opportunities for farmers in New York and other locations. Includes purpose, eligibility, funding, application, and contact information for each grant opportunity.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives.
U.S. Department of Agriculture; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The SBIR program at the USDA makes grants that are competitively awarded to qualified small businesses for the purpose of supporting high quality research proposals containing advanced concepts related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful. The SBIR program does not make loans and does not award grants for the purpose of helping a business get established. SBIR Phase I Grants are limited to $80,000 and a duration of 6 months. To read more about the program, visit the web site or click here to download the Fiscal Year 2003 Program Solicitation in PDF, Word, or WordPerfect format. Topic areas of research include:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Visit the web site to access a list of all the state Rural Development offices and contact people.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
WHIP is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. Click here for 2001 State Accomplishments and Reports. For more information on WHIP, visit the web site. To apply, contact your state WHIP coordinator, your local conservation district, or USDA Service Center office. Click here to find your state WHIP coordinator.
Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program
SARE offers a grant program for cooperative extensions and other agricultural professionals who work directly with farmers. The Partnership Grant Program supports on-farm research and demonstration projects and can fund materials, sampling, supplies, labor, and compensation for cooperating farmers and professional staff.
The Partnership Grant Program's purpose is to build knowledge farmers can use, encourage widespread use of sustainable agriculture techniques, and strengthen partnerships among farmers, extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other farming professionals. The Partnership Grant Program application is short and straightforward, and the SARE contribution to the project cannot exceed $10,000.
Grant projects can address a variety of topics, such as development of beneficial insect habitat; alternative crops or animals; practices that make use of biological cycles for improved soil, plant, and pest management; marketing; adding value; grazing, tool, or technology development; agroforestry; farm management; and water quality. Proposals should involve farming and sustainability issues in the Northeast region and offer research and outreach components so that results will be available to the wider farm community.
To apply, you should be engaged in agricultural research or outreach in an organization such as a cooperative extension, NRCS, a state department of agriculture, a college or university, or a non-profit organization that operates within the Northeast Region SARE. The region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
If you would like to look at a Partnership Grant Program application, call the Northeast Region SARE office at (802) 656-0471, send an e-mail to nesare@uvm.edu, or download an application from the web site.
New York State Dept. of Agriculture and Markets
The Grow NY Enterprise Program, a joint Governor's initiative of the Governor's Office for Small Cities (GOSC), Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), dedicates $3 million to increase the demand for and expand the use of New York's agriculture and forest products. The primary objective of the program is to provide funds to local governments who in turn use the dollars to assist qualifying businesses who undertake activities resulting in the creation or retention of job opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.
Click here to download the application in PDF format or visit the web site for more information.