Key Takeaways
- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has awarded $1 million to 22 organizations through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program.
- This funding, part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, aligns with Governor Hochul’s commitment to enhancing local food accessibility.
- Awardees span across New York, with projects focusing on food production, safety, and distribution, aiming to bolster local food resilience.
- In addition to this grant, the state has launched initiatives like the New York State Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program and the Soil Testing Program to support urban agriculture further.
- More than 3,000 urban and community gardens in New York benefit from state efforts to promote urban agriculture and community green spaces.
Strengthening Community and Food Resilience
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced a significant investment in the state’s urban agriculture, allocating $1 million to 22 deserving organizations through the second round of the New York State’s Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. This initiative underscores the state’s dedication to fostering community growing spaces and enhancing food security and resiliency among New Yorkers.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball emphasized the importance of community gardens in providing access to fresh, nutritious foods and thanked Governor Hochul for her support. The program’s funding, included in the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, is a testament to the state’s commitment to its urban agricultural spaces, ensuring a robust and reliable food supply.
A Wide Impact Across the State
The grant recipients represent a diverse array of projects spanning several regions, including the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier, and Western New York. Projects range from expanding urban farms and gardens to establishing educational programs and building necessary structures. Notable awardees include Foodlink Inc. for the Foodlink Urban Farm Expansion Project and Island Harvest LTD for the Healthy Harvest Farm and Giving Gardens Expansion, among others.
Building on Success
The program’s second round follows an initial investment of $800,000, awarded to 35 organizations across the state, reinforcing New York’s commitment to urban farming and community gardening. Recipients of the grants expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the funds’ role in expanding educational opportunities, enhancing food access, and supporting diverse communities through urban agriculture.
Future Initiatives for Urban Agriculture
In addition to the grants, Governor Hochul’s State of the State plan unveiled further support for urban and community gardens, including the New York State Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program and the Soil Testing Program. These initiatives, developed in collaboration with Cornell University, aim to provide comprehensive support and education for garden leaders and participants, fostering a stronger urban agriculture network across the state.
Latest Developments On Governor Hochul
$1.4M Granted To Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park (2024/02/08)
New York State has allocated $1.4 million to the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park Corporation (CAFTPC) for the development of a multi-tenant light manufacturing facility. This investment is part of an effort to support impactful projects that align with regional goals, with an emphasis on fostering growth in sectors such as agricultural technology. The facility, to be built on a 5-acre site within the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park’s Technology Farm, is poised to enhance the region’s capabilities in manufacturing and food processing.
$5.5 million was awarded to protect 2,119 acres of New York State farmland by Governor Hochul (2024/01/16)
Governor Hochul announced over $5.5 million in grants to protect 2,119 acres of New York farmland through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program. The initiative aims to safeguard agricultural land and support New York’s farming operations, with a total investment exceeding $273 million for the preservation of 113,650 acres across the state. The funds are distributed across various farm types and regions, aligning with New York’s priorities on food security, climate resiliency, and water source protection. The program’s expansion includes newer categories like agroforestry and equine, with a focus on providing access to farmland for new and beginning farmers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are awarded.
Neonicotinoid Ban: New York Passes Birds & Bees Protection Act (2023/12/26)
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which restricts certain neonicotinoid pesticides in New York to protect pollinators, birds, wildlife, and human health. The Act allows time for researching and developing safer alternatives and includes a waiver process for agricultural adjustments. New York’s pollinators are essential for the state’s agriculture, contributing significantly to its economy and food production. The Act is part of broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental health in New York.
Governor Hochul Announces New Indoor Food System in East Buffalo (2023/11/21)
Governor Kathy Hochul has launched an indoor food production system in East Buffalo. The project involves a 40-foot shipping container, which will grow vegetables and herbs year-round without soil, increasing awareness about hydroponic gardening, sustainability, and nutrition in underserved New York communities. The project is part of NYPA’s outreach to underserved communities through its Environmental Justice program. The Buffalo Center for Health Equity will own the container farm and offer agricultural community programs. The initiative is part of a multi-state demonstration led by EPRI to study the impacts of indoor food production on energy and water usage.
New York’s Climate Farming Grant Program (2023/11/15)
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program supports New York farmers in adapting to climate-related challenges. Through seven rounds, the program has enabled Best Management Practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage. Its regional approach ensures a direct impact on the state’s diverse agricultural landscape. New York State’s broader climate agenda includes ambitious goals such as transitioning to a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040 and achieving 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030.
New York’s FreshConnect Goes Digital (2023/11/06)
New York State has launched a digital FreshConnect program that allows eligible consumers to purchase SNAP-eligible farm products digitally. This modern approach allows any increment for purchases and maintains the daily cap of $50 per cardholder. The initiative began at the Broome County Regional Farmers’ Market and aims to broaden the reach to more families battling food scarcity. The program presents a time-saving and more efficient payment process for farmers, negating the need for handling physical coupons. It sets a daily cap of $50 per cardholder. The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative has increased coupon availability for SNAP participants at farmers’ markets, surging from 156 percent to 750,000 in the current year. The Department of Agriculture and Markets has doubled the distribution of FreshConnect Checks for Veterans and their immediate family members.
New York Governor Unveils Unprecedented Support for Agriculture in 2024 Budget (2023/05/04)
Governor Hochul has announced record-breaking funding for New York’s agricultural sector in the FY 2024 budget. The budget will boost food manufacturing, state procurement of local produce, urban farming initiatives, and workforce development. It also establishes a refundable Investment Tax Credit for farmers, a $10 million grant program to support establishing farm markets and other retail food outlets, and enhances community garden programming with a $2 million investment. Additionally, the budget provides funding to support New York’s county fairs and the Great New York State Fair.
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