Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program

Grant Resources for Ulster County Farms

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced the launch of a $586,000 Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, with grants that range from $25,000 to $75,000 to support local farmers in maintaining viable and resilient farms now and in the future. The grant program is funded through the ARPA-supported Agricultural Crisis Relief Program passed by the Legislature in 2023.

The County grant program is being administered by the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC), and applications will be accepted from March 19 through April 30.

A live virtual Open Office Hours session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, from 12 PM to 1 PM to provide farmers with more information and answer any questions. To register for the virtual information session, visit tinyurl.com/53cpfmwd.

The program is specifically for projects that address both farm viability and energy efficiency/climate resiliency. Funding is available for projects related to the following program priorities:

• Increased Farm Viability: Market development, enhanced production, and improved profitability/cost savings

• Energy efficiency related to on-farm or farm-business operations

• Facility upgrades in farm operations

• Climate resiliency in farm operations and practices, including projects, equipment, and supplies that improve soil health, prevent erosion, and save/reuse water

• Projects that increase a farm’s product diversity, health, and self-reliance with the ability to adapt when confronted with changing market conditions, uncertain environmental conditions, and/or supply chain interruptions

Farm Viability & Sustainability Grants are intended to be used for services, equipment, production costs, and other expenses to build both economic and environmental sustainability within Ulster County’s farm sector. Examples of eligible equipment and expenses include but are not limited to:

• Biodiesel/electric trucks/tractors
• Cold storage
• Farm equipment
• Precise irrigation systems
• Solar panels
• Washing/packing materials
• Associated supplies
• Energy-efficient upgrades of equipment and/or systems

Eligible applicants include for-profit farms classified as “Farm Operations” under Section 301 of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, as well as not-for-profit organizations involved in farming activities, and must have an annual income below $1 million. Applicants must also have filed a Schedule F in 2023 and received an Agricultural Assessment to be eligible.

Farmers can access the full Request for Proposals, apply online, and explore additional resources through the application portal at www.hvadc.org/ulster-county-farm-grants.

Technical assistance will be available throughout the application process until the April 30 deadline. For any questions, reach out via email at ucfarmviability@hvadc.org.

The HVADC is the region’s sole economic development agency with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. It assists both new and existing agri-businesses such as farms, food businesses, and food distributors, by providing technical and business consultation, access to capital, and resources. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the non-profit promotes balanced, market-based solutions that lead to enhanced agricultural entrepreneurship, rural economic growth, diversity inclusion, and community enhancement.