Senator Gallivan Urges Local Farmers to Apply for Block Grant Funding

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.