Up to $25 million will come from the State
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Starting January 19, 2016, farmers in New York will be encouraged to apply for funding a part of the state’s $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program.
The program is designed to provide funding to farms and agribusinesses to help them expand their operations and capabilities. The funding will also work to help increase environmental enhancements in Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins and Tioga counties.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the funding and said it will provide farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to complete construction, renovation, fencing and other projects.
“New York’s agriculture industry is an economic engine in upstate communities – driving growth and expanding opportunity,” Cuomo said. “I’m proud to announce $25 million in State funding for the Agriculture Industry Enhancement Program which will provide vital support to all farmers and agribusinesses in the Southern Tier and keep New York’s agricultural economy growing.”
Eligible projects could receive up to $100,000 to help with costs and any initiatives that work towards protecting the environment and natural resources could be awarded and extra $10,000.
New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said he’s eager to assess the projects the farmers put forward.
“The Governor’s targeted initiative to invest in this 11-county area is a big win for agriculture, and we’re excited to provide applicants the details of the program and begin to accept their proposals in a few weeks,” he said.
The application window opens on January 19, 2016 and the projects must follow a specific set of criteria.
Join the discussion and tell us your thoughts on New York’s commitment to provide funding to farmers in the Southern Tier. As a farmer in New York, what project would you submit an application for?