The New York Farm Viability Institute is pleased to share that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant (BFCG) Program will open on March 16, 2026.
$1.7 million in grant funding will be made available for beginning farmers who are building financially sustainable, for-profit agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. Projects can receive up to $200,000 and require a 5% match, regardless of funding amount.
This popular program will be seeking proposals from New York beginning farmers with 10 years or less of farm operation experience and who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm in New York State.
The program provides funding for:
- the start-up, improvement, or expansion of a farm operation;
- the purchase of agricultural land and physical structures;
- the purchase of machinery, equipment, or livestock;
- the construction or improvement of physical structures, including semi-permanent structures;
- worker or apprenticeship training; and
- marketing activities.
Executive Director of New York Farm Viability Institute Aaron Ristow said,
“The New York Farm Viability Institute is excited to again partner with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to offer a second round of the Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program. In the first round, we heard directly from beginning farmers about how this support helped them make real progress on their farms. With double the original funding available, we are eager to reach even more beginning farmers and strengthen farm businesses and rural communities across New York State.”
The program is funded through the generous support of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, and from the New York State Legislature.
Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Michelle Hinchey said,
“As more of New York’s farmers approach retirement, we’re focused on creating pathways to help the next generation get their businesses off the ground and expand their operations. I’m proud to champion the Beginning Farmer Grant program, which supports early-stage farmers in their efforts to invest in their businesses and feed their communities. We encourage all eligible farms to apply in this next round.”
Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said,
“More often than not, high costs are the biggest barrier to farmers just starting out. The Beginning Farmer Fund was established with the goal of assisting new farmers make early investments in their farms, such as land acquisition, livestock, or equipment purchases. With the average NYS farmer being 65 years old, we need our beginning and emerging farmers to be competitive in an increasingly challenging economy. I’d like to thank NYFVI for their assistance in cultivating the next generation of farmers and producers. New York State needs for them to succeed.”
Funding Information
Two funding tracks are available. Track 1 will include smaller projects, with a shorter timeline (18 months from contract), whereas Track 2 will include larger-scale projects with a longer timeline (24 months from contract).
Track 1 Grant Award Range: $5,000 – $50,000
Track 2 Grant Award Range: $50,001 – $200,000
Reimbursement occurs after the project is completed. This program builds off the success of the 2024 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program. The RFP was developed with guidance from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and support from an advisory committee of representatives from multiple New York agricultural support organizations.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a New York beginning farmer with 10 years or less of farm operation experience and who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm in New York State.
- Applicants must demonstrate the potential for the project to grow the business and improve financial sustainability. All applicants whose farm generated less than $1,000 in the previous year must provide a business plan.
- Proposals may support a business that produces any type of agricultural product.
Proposals must be submitted through the online application system no later than 11:59pm (EST) on June 14, 2026.
More information about the grant, along with the full Request for Proposals can be found here
Informational Sessions
NYFVI will host three informational webinars. Please use the links to register below:
- NYFVI Webinar 1: March 20 at noon EST
- NYFVI Webinar 2: March 26 at 5:00pm EST
- NYFVI Webinar 3: April 7 at 5:30pm EST
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the 2024 Round One Recap to learn more about how to create a competitive proposal.
A list of technical service providers who can assist with the application can be found here
Questions can be directed here.
2024 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Recipient said,
“Thanks to this project, our small business has grown into a resilient agricultural enterprise, adding more diversification that will help secure our farm’s future. Dairy farming in New York faces serious challenges, and expanding what we do is essential for survival. This initiative has transformed our business into something lasting, a legacy we can pass on to our children.”
Producer RFP Information Sign-up
Want to know when new RFPs are available? Sign up here to stay in the know.
