Senator Gallivan Urges Local Farmers to Apply for Block Grant Funding
Jim Ranney
January 13, 2017
-
ISSUE:
- Agriculture
- Grants
Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is encouraging local growers to submit proposals to enhance so-called specialty crops in New York State, including fruits, vegetables, hops, maple syrup, honey, horticulture and nursery crops. Up to $600,000 in funding is available for research and grower education projects through the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NY Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) under the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This funding is designed to support programs and research that help farmers better compete in the marketplace by increasing efficiency and reducing costs,” Gallivan said. “By supporting the latest research and education, we can help ensure New York’s incredibly diverse agriculture industry continues to grow and thrive.”
The Department and NYFVI are seeking proposals for research and grower education projects that aim to enhance the competitiveness of New York’s specialty crop producers and increase the long-term success of the State’s agricultural industry.
The following priority areas have been identified:
- research and/or education addressing a key conventional or organic production problem or need specific to New York State;
- developing and increasing the utilization of Integrated Pest Management strategies and programs;
- prioritizing and addressing native and exotic pests and disease threats through development of pest risk assessments;
- supporting plant breeding for the development of specialty crops resistant to exotic and native pests;
- applied research and development to extend the growing season of New York specialty crops through new technologies, improved management practices, or other innovative production strategies; and
- developing new seed varieties and specialty crops with optimal performance under New York State conditions.
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, and local and Indian tribal governments. Grant funds will only be awarded to applicants whose projects have statewide significance to the specialty crop industry and do not propose to only benefit a single organization, institution, individual or commercial product.
Applications are due Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Projects must be completed within two years from the award date.
For application details, please visit: www.nyfvi.org.