11 New York counties eligible for ag-related funding

Mar 25, 2015

Up to $30 million available to be split among them

New York State governor Andrew Cuomo announced 11 counties will be eligible to receive funding under the $30 million Southern Tier Agricultural Economic Development Initiative.

The money will be used to fund projects that assist farms and agribusinesses in New York to grow. Additional funding will be made to help specifically targeted agricultural economic development projects.

"Agriculture remains one of top industries that drives New York’s economy and with this initiative, every farmer and vendor in the Southern Tier will have a chance to shape the future of their business," Governor Cuomo said in a release. "I am proud of the incredible products grown and made in New York State, and urge lawmakers to join us in making this proposal a reality."

The counties eligible for funding are Tioga, Tompkins, Steuben, Schuyler, Delaware, Chenango, Chemung, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Broome and Alegany.

Of the $30 million, $25 million could be used to help farmers increase production on their farms and improve profit earnings while also helping them make better use of environmental management resources.

Any projects awarded state funding could receive up to $100,000 for their project – which would go towards 75% of the total project funding. The applicant must provide the other 25% and projects must be completed within one year.

The remaining $5 million would be used for things like expansion of farmers markets, forest productivity and other investments to create jobs within the agribusiness sector.

Join the conversation and tell us how you would use $100,000 to make the agriculture environment better for farmers in New York State.

Is this something you would consider applying for?

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