Key Takeaways
- The New York State Department of Agriculture announces third round of funding for urban agriculture initiatives
- $2.5 million available to support food production, safety, and distribution in underserved communities
- Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, municipal entities, and tribal organizations
- The program supports New York’s goals to increase food access, resiliency, and local sourcing
- Virtual webinar for interested applicants scheduled for July 29, 2025
New York State Department of Agriculture Expands Support for Community-Based Food Systems
The New York State Department of Agriculture has opened applications for the third round of its Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program, with $2.5 million in funding available. The program is designed to enhance community growing spaces and contribute to local food resiliency across the state, particularly in urban and underserved areas.
Included in the Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 State Budgets, the funding supports projects that promote sustainable food access, increase production capacity, and improve food distribution infrastructure. “One of our priorities at the Department is making sure that more New Yorkers have fresh, nutritious foods available in their communities,” said Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “I encourage all eligible community organizations to consider applying.”
Eligible Uses and Application Details
Funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture can be used for:
- Worker wages
- Contractual and equipment expenses
- Operational costs related to food production and distribution
Entities eligible to apply include:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit educational institutions
- Municipal government bodies
- Indian tribal organizations
Applications and detailed program information are available at agriculture.ny.gov. A virtual informational webinar will be held on July 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Pre-registration is required.
Urban Agriculture as a Tool for Food Security and Community Development
The New York State Department of Agriculture highlights that urban agriculture plays a key role in building resilient local food systems. The program builds on earlier rounds that funded 22 projects with $1 million in total awards, and continues to support the development of school gardens, urban farms, and community food hubs.
The initiative aligns with broader statewide efforts including:
- Nourish NY
- Farm-to-School Program
- 30 Percent NYS Initiative for School Meals
- Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program
Aligning with Statewide Sustainability and Food Equity Goals
This funding initiative supports New York State’s Vision 2030 and Executive Order 32, which directs state agencies to purchase at least 30% of their food from local producers within five years. It also complements other programs managed by the New York State Department of Agriculture such as:
- The Community Gardens Task Force
- Soil Testing Program for gardens
- Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program
Currently, New York State is home to over 3,000 registered or permitted urban and community gardens, many of which serve as local anchors for nutrition education, food access, and environmental stewardship.
New York State Department of Agriculture: Continuing Investment in Local Food Systems
The New York State Department of Agriculture continues to prioritize investment in community-based agriculture, local food sourcing, and nutrition access. The Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program is a central component of this strategy, supporting not only food production but also education, health, and workforce development in urban communities.
