The NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program provides funding to help new and early-stage farmers build financially sustainable agricultural businesses in New York State.
Administered by NYFVI on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, this competitive program is designed to support beginning farmers in building financially
sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State
Beginning farmers play a critical role in the future of New York agriculture. This program supports practical investments that help them establish, grow, and sustain our state’s independent farms and farmers.
A new round of this program will launch in March of 2026.
Click here to read the Beginning Farmer R1 Recap
Who Is Eligible?
Beginning farmers are individuals who:
- Have not operated a farm for more than ten years
- Are actively involved in day-to-day farm management
- Operate a commercial farm in New York State
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the current Request for Proposals.
What the Program Supports
Grant funds may be used for a wide range of business development needs, including:
- Equipment and infrastructure investments
- Livestock or crop establishment
- Business expansion activities
- Marketing and branding initiatives
- Workforce training and skill development
- Other eligible expenses that strengthen farm profitability
All proposed projects must clearly demonstrate how the investment will improve the farm’s economic viability.
Funding Structure
The program typically offers multiple funding tracks to accommodate projects of different scale and complexity.
Awards are competitive and reimbursement-based. Applicants should be prepared to cover project expenses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement according to program guidelines.
Project timelines, award amounts, and match requirements are outlined in each funding round’s RFP.
Competitive Review Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Project feasibility
- Financial impact and business sustainability
- Alignment with program goals
- Applicant readiness and planning
NYFVI works in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to ensure that funding decisions reflect statewide priorities and meaningful farm-level outcomes.
Strengthening Farm Viability
The NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program is part of NYFVI’s broader mission to improve the economic viability and sustainability of New York’s farms and food system.
By investing in new farmers at a critical stage of development, the program helps build a stronger, more resilient agricultural future for the State.
Past RFPs
Click the link below for more information on the Beginning Farmer R1 RFP