The FVI Grant Program is the core competitive research and education funding initiative of the New York Farm Viability Institute. It supports practical, farmer-driven projects that create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farms.
Agriculture is continually evolving, and New York farmers need sound science, effective educational outreach, and actionable insights to adapt and thrive. The FVI Grant Program funds applied research and educational efforts that address real challenges facing farmers and deliver measurable farm-level impact.
Proposals are evaluated through a competitive process that prioritizes:
- clear relevance to New York’s agricultural community,
- meaningful engagement with producers,
- and the potential to improve farm profitability and operations.
The program focuses on advancing work that aligns with NYFVI’s strategic priority areas, including:
- improving farm operating practices,
- fostering industry innovation,
- incubating new ideas,
- enhancing routes to market and marketing practices,
- and strengthening human capital within the agricultural sector.
Each grant cycle awards roughly $1.5 million in competitive funding, with individual project awards typically ranging from $15,000 to $125,000. Projects may span from six months up to two years, depending on scope and objectives, and must engage New York State farmers and clearly demonstrate expected outcomes and impacts.
Farmer review panels evaluate all proposals and provide recommendations, with final funding decisions made by NYFVI’s farmer-led board. This ensures the program reflects real agricultural priorities and supports solutions that deliver practical value on farms across the state.