NYFVI is pleased to announce a new competitive grant program to help beginning farmers build financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural businesses. The RFP opened on October 25th and applications were accepted through January 24, 2025. The application period has now closed.
The Beginning Farmer competitive grant program is funded through the generous support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State legislature. It is administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute in partnership with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYS AGM). This Request for Proposals (RFP) utilizes the generous appropriation from the New York State Governor and legislature in the 2022/23 fiscal year. $850,000 will be awarded in this Statewide program.
It is anticipated that this program will receive a high number of applications from a wide range of beginning farmers. All applicants are encouraged to read RFP closely to consider how best to use this opportunity to create a competitive proposal that will advance their plan to grow their business and become a financially sustainable, independent, agricultural enterprise.
Farmers who have not operated a farm for more than 10 years and who will materially and substantially participate in operating the farm within the State are eligible to submit proposals. It is expected that all applicants will have a serious interest in building a financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprise. More detail about eligibility is provided in the RFP.
There are two funding opportunities; the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe. A 5% match is required for all projects. Grants will be administered on a reimbursement basis as a project is completed.
| Minimum grant award | Maximum grant award | Total Funds Available | Project Duration | |
| Track 1 | $5,000 | $25,000 | $300,000 | 18 months from execution of contract |
| Track 2 | $50,000 | $250,000 | $550,000 | 24 months from execution of contract |
Use of Funds
The use of grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business.
Grants may be awarded for purposes including, but not limited to:
- the start-up, improvement, or expansion of a farm operation
- worker or apprenticeship training
- marketing activities
- the purchase of agricultural land and physical structures thereon
- the purchase of machinery, equipment, or livestock
- the construction or improvement of physical structures, including semi-permanent structures
- other business needs as justified by the applicant’s proposal
This grant is a reimbursement-based award. No costs will be reimbursed until a project has achieved key milestones, or is successfully completed and all required documentation has been submitted. Grant recipients must be able to self-finance or secure financing to implement their project.
Webinars
The webinars have concluded.Unfortunately the recordings are no longer available in our system.
Questions & Answers
Questions about the RFP may be submitted via email to Aileen Randolph. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read all materials before emailing questions. Since this is a competitive program, it is not appropriate for NYFVI to engage in individual conversations with applicants. Answers to questions sent via email will be posted on a weekly basis below.
Online Application
The program will be managed entirely online. Applicants must first register in the online system. The link to the online application is available here. Applications must be submitted by January 24, 2025.
Additional Languages: Google translate may be utilized by selecting a language in the upper left corner. Applications may be submitted in any language, Google Translate will be used to allow them to be reviewed in English.
RFP and Related Documents
The RFP and related documents are provided here.
- RFP: The RFP includes three documents as outlined below. Applicants are encouraged to read the Technical Requirements of the program closely before developing their application.
- Technical Requirements: Outlines the specifics of grant program
- Application:
- PDF file
- Online link to an interactive form which will be submitted
- Budget: Excel template that must be used to develop applicant’s budget and uploaded as part of the online application.
- Appendix A: Considerations for Infrastructure, Building and Renovation Projects.
- Appendix B: Guidelines for Agricultural Land Purchases.
- Appendix C: Questions and Answers Document. Updated 01/15/25
- Addendum to the RFP
- NYS Vendor responsibility form, required at contract for projects over $100,000
Additional Resources
- Organizations that may be available to help develop applications.
- Educational resources to learn more about SMART goals and SWOT analysis.
- Lender resources
- SMART goal worksheet for a stand-alone project.
- SMART goal worksheet for a multi-stage project.
- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has compiled resources for beginning farmers that can be found here.
Communication Documents
The following documents will be posted below as they are finalized and can be used to share information about the upcoming grant program.
- Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program Flyer
- NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Program Announcement
- NYFVI Press Release: Now Open