Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New Farmers Grant Fund will provide over $743,000 in grants to support 25 early-stage agricultural businesses across New York State. The purpose of the fund, now in its second round, is to assist early-stage farmers in improving their farm’s profitability, and as a result, adding to the diversification and growth of New York’s agricultural sector.

“Agriculture remains a critical component of the New York’s economy and these grants will help ensure this industry’s continued strength,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will support new and emerging agribusinesses as they expand their operations, develop and market high quality products and generate new growth in their communities.”

Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the fund. More than 55 applications were submitted for program funding this round. Projects were scored competitively based on specific criteria, including demonstration of project readiness. Grant funds will be used for project costs associated with the expansion of production, construction of farm buildings, purchase of equipment and seed, or upgrades to increase efficiency and boost production.

The New Farmers Grant Fund award recipients are:

Capital Region

• Eastern Hay Company, LLC – Washington County: $45,485
• MX Morningstar Farm – Columbia County: $19,200
• Sparrowbush Farm – Columbia County: $16,932

Central New York

• Ingersoll Farms – Oswego County: $49,051
• Main Street Farms, LLC – Cortland County: $17,000
• Shared Roots Farm, LLC – Cortland County: $21,428
• Z’s Nutty Ridge, LLC – Cortland County: $17,334

Finger Lakes

• Blue Moon Bend, LLC – Wayne County: $20,250
• Bolton Farms, Inc. – Monroe County: $24,788
• McCracken Farms – Monroe County: $24,669

Long Island

• Bhumi Farm, Inc. – Suffolk County: $22,943

Mid-Hudson

• Alewife Farm – Clinton Corners : $15,728
• Sawkill Farm – Red Hook: $33,925
• Platte Creek Maple Farm – Ulster County: $26,289

Mohawk Valley

• Jones Family Farm LLC – Herkimer County: $42,675
• Windy Hill Goat Dairy – Otsego County: $28,645

North Country

• Echo Farm – Essex County: $26,599
• Full and By Farm, LLC – Essex County – $16,000
• Juniper Hill Farm – Essex County: $49,783
• Mace Chasm Farm, LLC – Essex County: $50,000
• Michael & Carrie Higby – Lewis County: $18,000
• North Branch Farms – Jefferson County: $45,000

Southern Tier

• Plowbreak Farm – Schuyler County: $21,404
• Van Noble Farm – Tompkins County: $40,362

Western New York

• Perry-Dice Organics – Cattaraugus County: $49,534