New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced that $2.5 million is available through New York State’s Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. Now in its third round, the program is designed to support community growing spaces and their contributions to local food resiliency and food security for New Yorkers. The program will support projects geared toward the development and enhancement of urban farms, school gardens, and community gardens across the state. Funding for the program was included in the FY 2025 and 2026 Budgets and builds on Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to increasing affordability and food access for all New Yorkers.
Commissioner Ball said, “One of our priorities at the Department is making sure that more New Yorkers have fresh, nutritious foods available in their communities, and our Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program is one piece in that puzzle. Over the first two rounds, we’ve seen some incredible projects come to fruition, and I’m excited to see that progress continue in the third round, with even more funding dedicated to this great program. I encourage all eligible community organizations to consider applying.”
Funding through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program will help offset costs associated with projects that focus on food production, food safety, and food distribution, while creating a lasting impact on local food resiliency. Funds may be used to fund worker wages, contractual expenses, equipment, and other operating expenses. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, municipal government entities, and Indian tribal organizations.
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit
agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0344-urban-farms-and-community-gardens-grant-program.
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