Senator Valesky Announces Funding Available for Farmers’ Markets Capital Improvement Grants

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) today announced that $150,000 in matching grants will be available for capital improvements to New York State farmers’ markets.
 
The $150,000 fund was earmarked in this year’s Enacted Budget as part of the Grow New York program. The purpose of the fund is to construct permanent infrastructure to help increase access to New York-grown and produced food.
 
More than 30 farmers’ markets are located in Central New York.
 
“Farmers’ markets provide an important bridge from food to fork, connecting farmers and their fresh, local products to consumers,” Senator Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the State Senate, said. “Providing funding for capital improvements is critical for this growing industry.”
 
According to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which will administer the grants, eligible farmers’ markets include any building or property, owned or leased by any municipal corporation, market authority, public benefit corporation, not-for-profit or agricultural cooperative, that has two or more agricultural producers offering for sale farm and food products to consumers. The fund request must be limited to $25,000 and should not exceed more than half of the expected cost of the project.
 
Proposals must involve physical improvement to a farmers’ market, such as construction, site preparation, water or electrical improvements, permanent signage, equipment or architectural or engineering designs.
 
Farmers’ Markets Grant applications are available by contacting Meg McCabe at the Department at 1-800-554-4501 or by downloading the form from the Department’s website at http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html. All applications for funding are due by July 27, 2009.
 
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