New York Gives Financial Assistance to 4 Mohawk Valley Farms

Many will say, "It's about time" or "we need more," but at least it's a start.  The state of New York gave grant money to 27 farms, 4 of them in the Mohawk Valley as part of the New Farmers Grant Fund program.

This is the 3rd round of funding from the grant program that began in 2014. To date, 66 farms have received assistance. The state earmarked one-million dollars to assist beginning farmers to expand their operations or improve their profitability. It's a matching grant program, the state provides up to $50,000 to cover half of the expenses of constructing new buildings and purchasing equipment and supplies.

The 4 Mohawk Valley farms getting grants:

• Collins Farm, LLC, Oneida County – $50,000
• Michael B’s Honey Co., Oneida County – $30,770
• Autumn Valley Farm, Otsego County – $39,900
• Dygert Farms Creamery, Montgomery County – $37,500

As of now the program is closed, but a new round of funding is expected in the next state budget come this fall. If and when that happens, applications for grants will be reopened. Details on the criteria used to select farms, and how to apply can be found at Empire State Development's website.

SOURCE:  Empire State Development

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