Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 1

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 1

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: New York Farm Viability Institute
Amount: US $5,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

Overview

Note: There are two funding opportunities under the Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program: Track 1 and Track 2. The proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same.The deadline for submission of questions is indicated above as the due date for Letter of Inquiry. New York Farm Viability Institute The New York Farm Viability Institute is a nonprofit grantmaking organization. We run a competitive grant program seeking to fund agricultural research and education projects that will create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers. Our Mission Our mission is to help New York farmers become more profitable and improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of our state’s farms, the food system, and the communities which they serve. We strive to achieve our mission through a farmer-driven grant making process connecting farmer-identified needs to practical research and education solutions. We amplify our efforts and the efforts of others through leadership and collaboration. This creation and sharing of knowledge results in positive farm-level impact. NYFVI administers both research and education as well as direct grants for farms and food businesses. Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. All projects must be based completely in New York State. Purpose of Grants The use of these grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business or the business they plan to start. Applicants should be ready to explain why each item they are requesting is a good investment in their business and how it aligns with their proposed project goals. All applicants must be able to provide a reasonable estimate of the operational outcomes and the potential short- and long-term economic benefits that the use of these funds will create. What can be funded? Start-up, improvement or expansion of farm operations Purchase of land, machinery, equipment, or livestock Construction or improvement of structures Marketing initiatives Worker or apprenticeship training Other business needs tied to financial impact Grant Size and Duration There are two funding opportunities (Track 1 and Track 2); the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. Both tracks will utilize the ame application. Track 1 The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe. Award Range: $5,000 - $50,000; Project Timeline: 18 Months from contract

Eligibility

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