Cornell Cooperative Extension

Dutchess County
Farmer Resources and Grant Opportunities
Image by Made using Canva

Farmer Resources and Grant Opportunities

Grant Opportunities and Farmer Resources

undefined

  • Dutchess County Agriculture/Horticulture Program Leader
    • With questions about farming, crop or livestock selection, agriculture, horticulture, invasive species, new farms, and more reach out to the CCEDC Ag/Hort Program Leader.
    • Dr. Isabella Magna Yannuzzi imy3@cornell.edu
  • Dutchess County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline
    • Website: https://ccedutchess.org/events/2025/04/02/horticulture-hotline-diagnostic-lab-2025
    • This diagnostic hotline runs through the end of September each year. The hotline is open via phone Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 at 845-677-5067 and via email at dutchessmg@cornell.edu. Questions, inquiries, and photos of symptomatic plants, pests, and tree can be emailed over and our team of volunteers will work to diagnose and respond as soon as possible.
    • If you are interested in having a sample analyzed, please call 845-677-8223 Ext 115 to schedule a drop off time. Samples need to be brought in a completely sealed container and are only accepted by appointment and the cost of having a sample evaluated is $20 by cash or check. Additional instructions can be found at our website (https://ccedutchess.org/gardening/horticulture-diagnostic-lab). 
  • Ag and Markets Program List
  • USDA FSA Farm Loans
  • Dutchess County Agricultural Navigator
  • Dutchess County Soil and Water
    • Website Home page: https://dutchessswcd.org
    • Today the District provides technical assistance to public and private landowners. Examples of our programs Include assistance with drainage issues, stormwater management and the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program which assists farms with meeting business objectives while conserving natural resources, as well many others. Technicians are available for site visits to address resource issues for both private landowners and municipalities. The district also provides many education and outreach programs to youth and adults. District staff regularly attends local events to provide educational material to the public.
    • Agricultural Assessment: https://dutchessswcd.org/mapping/ag-value/
    • Ag District Information: https://dutchessswcd.org/mapping/ag-district/
    • GIS Mapping Services: https://dutchessswcd.org/mapping/mapping-services/
  • Cornell Small Farms Program
    • Website: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu
    • Small farms can help build human capacity, revitalize communities, supply regional food systems, and foster ecological resilience in a changing world. Since 2001, the Cornell Small Farms Program has fostered programs that support and encourage the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms. We commit to ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, that our time, energy, and financial resources are committed equitably to all people. We will continue to be actively engaged and involved in relationship building, collaboration, and support of efforts to build diverse, equitable and just food systems.
    • We have produced a collection of in-depth resources on farming to help farmers, educators and others learn more deeply about various aspects of the business of farming. Learn more about our resources.
    • Farming Guides: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/guides/
    • Beginning Farmer Projects and Resources: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/beginning-farmer/
  • Agricultural Economics and Business Management Specialist through the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Production Team

undefined

  • RFP 0416-Dairy Promotion or Research Program 2027
    • Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0416-dairy-promotion-or-research-program-2027
    • Grant Description
      • The Department is pleased to announce the availability of funds from the Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) for the Dairy Promotion or Research Program 2027.
        The Department invites proposals for projects that market, promote, and research New York-produced fluid milk and dairy products with the goal of increasing consumer demand for and consumption of New York dairy products.Project terms will begin on January 1, 2027.
      • Interested applicants are invited to review RFP 0416 - Dairy Promotion or Research Program 2027 and all requirements for this funding opportunity on the Contract Reporter website here.
        • $16,901,250 in funding is available through this Request for Proposals
    • Grant Assistance Contact: NYDPO@agriculture.ny.gov Attn: Christin Gravelle
    • Grant Deadline: September 18th, 2026
  • Ken and Jean Royer Family Fund: Retail Florist Education Travel Grant Application
    • Website: https://endowment.org/resource/royer-travel-grant-apply
    • Grant Requirements
      • Applicants must be owners, managers, or employees of traditional retail florists with a brick-and-mortar storefront and MUST be requesting this grant as a First Time Attendee of a regional, state, or national conference/event. Applications for this travel grant must be for an industry event in the coming year. (For example, apply in 2024 for travel in 2025.)
      • The grant will be made as a reimbursement after the event is attended. Examples of eligible opportunities include the below venues as long as they provide retail related business educational sessions as part of the conference/agenda
    • Grant Assistance Contact: cmusgrove@afeendowment.org
    • Grant Deadline: October 1st 2026, open every year 
  • Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program
    • Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/spmgp
    • Grant Description
      • The Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) supports projects that strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products. The program advances the competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term viability of the U.S. sheep industry by supporting projects that improve infrastructure, business and resource development, workforce and leadership development, market expansion, and innovative approaches to addressing industry needs.
        The program seeks to develop practical, industry-driven solutions that provide measurable benefits to sheep producers while encouraging collaboration among national, regional, and local organizations. Through competitive subawards and recipient-led activities, the program promotes innovation, technical assistance, education, marketing, and strategic investments that improve production capacity, supply chain resilience, and market opportunities across the sheep industry.
    • Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2026_SPMGP_NOFO.pdf
    • Grant Assistance Contact: IPPGrants@usda.gov
    • Grant Deadline: October 2nd 2026

undefined

  • Dairy Farm Improvement and Modernization Grant
    • Website: https://nedairyinnovation.com/grants/farm-improvement-modernization/
    • Grant Information
      • This grant will fund projects that help dairy farmers improve their operations for long-term success. Eligible projects may modernize outdated systems or introduce innovative solutions to improve farm viability, reduce climate impacts, improve milk quality or value, improve worker conditions, and strengthen the farm’s ability to respond to challenges.
      • Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, producer associations or technical service providers applying on behalf of groups of farmers, and milk buyers focusing on on-farm milk production or transfer. Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
      • Amount
        • Awards will range from $15,000 – $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution required. 
        • Total funds available: $1,000,000
    • Grant Timeline: Grant Application will open in October 2026

undefined

  • John May Farm Safety Fund 
    • Website: https://www.nycamh.org/johnmayfund/
    • Application: https://www.nycamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jmfsf_application_packet.pdf
    • Grant Information
      • The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) John May Farm Safety Fund provides financial help to New York farmers to improve work-related safety on their farms. 
      • Applications are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis
      • Awards may not exceed 50% of the estimated cost for the project and the maximum award amount is $5,000
      • Eligible applicants are...
        • Residents of New York State
        • Active farmers (part-time or full-time)
        • Non dairy farm's annual gross cash farm income is $10,000-$99,999 OR any dairy farm is eligible, there is no income limit
        • The proposed safety project has not been paid for or completed 
    • With questions contact JMFSF at 
      • Phone: 800-343-7527
      • Fax: 607-547-6087
      • Email JMFSF@bassett.org
  • Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Conference Scholarship
  • American Farmland Trust: National Grant for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
    • Website: https://farmland.org/bff-ufr#application-deadline-and-instructions
    • Instructions on how to apply click here: https://farmland.org/files/bff-sma-how-to-apply.pdf
    • The Brighter Future Fund National Grant for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers was launched in 2020 to assist farmers in successfully launching, growing, and sustaining farms in the face of forces impacting the food and agricultural system, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changing markets, severe weather, and climate change. A major commitment of this program is to uplift, support, and amplify the work of a wide range of farmers. Funding will be allocated to help farmers improve farm viability; access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland; or adopt regenerative agricultural practices.
    • Award amount and project eligibility
      • Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $5,000 per project. A project may involve one or more individual farmers or farm families. Only one grant can be awarded per farmer/farm family.
      • Funding for this program is limited. As funding remains, awards will be made on an ongoing basis to eligible applicants who fulfill all application requirements and meet selection criteria.
      • Land tenure (ownership, a lease, license, or other written agreement) for a reasonable time period will be required for projects that involve on-the-ground improvements to farmland. If tenure is less than five years, please be prepared to demonstrate in the application that the tenure is sufficient in relation to the improvements being made or services being provided.
      • Grant Contact Information
    • For general questions or requests for assistance, or if you need materials in Spanish, email brighterfuture@farmland.org.
    • Para preguntas generales o solicitudes de asistencia, o si necesita materiales en español, envíe un correo electrónico a brighterfuture@farmland.org.
  • RFA 0331: New York State Grown & Certified Cooperative Marketing Program
    • Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0331-new-york-state-grown-certified-cooperative-marketing-program
    • The Department, with partial funding through a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, invites to apply for funding through the New York State Grown & Certified Cooperative Marketing Program. Funding will help increase producer sales through marketing and promotion efforts.
    • A total of $500,000 in funding is available. Funding requests shall not exceed $10,000. Awards will be distributed for new marketing and promotional projects that create lasting and meaningful exposure of NYS G&C to consumers. Applicants must participate in the NYS G&C program and have signed a licensing agreement.
    • The NYS Grown & Certified Program is a voluntary certification program for New York State agricultural producers that adopt food safety standards and enroll in an environmental management program.
    • Rolling Application ends September 26th at 3:00 pm
  • On-Farm Labor Housing Loans
    • This program provides affordable financing to develop or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for very-low to moderate income(1) domestic, migrant, and seasonal farm laborers (2). It also provides funding used to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm labor; and the ability of the farmer to provide affordable, decent, safe and sanitary housing for farm workers.
    • This program provides low interest loans to eligible borrowers to develop or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for very low to moderate income domestic, migrant, and seasonal farm laborers. Borrowers must not otherwise be able to get commercial credit. The interest rate is 1% annually for up to 33 years and 100% of the cost of the housing can be financed.
    • This grant is currently accepting applications and will accept applications until the funds are depleted
  • Cornell Small Farms Veteran Scholarships
    • Website: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/farm-ops/veteran-scholarships/
    • The Farm Ops project facilitates veterans' access to agricultural education and training resources. Our scholarship program is designed for veterans who are exploring farming as a career, already engaged in farming, or seeking employment in the agricultural sector. With support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Farm Ops offers scholarships for veterans and active duty military personnel currently residing in New York State. These scholarships support participation in agricultural educational events, workshops, and online courses. Click on the two categories below to explore veteran scholarship options.
    • Online Course Scholarship: This scholarship supports the enrollment of veterans into aCornell Small Farms Program’s online course. Veterans may receive one scholarship per course season, which runs from September to March each year.
    • Event of Choice Scholarship: This scholarship helps veterans attend agricultural training and education that furthers their agricultural pursuits.
  • Black Farmers Learn
    • Website: https://airtable.com/appIuvD7avwALhu4b/pagjeZHkmZvylw6SM/form
    • The Black Farmers Learn Scholarship provides financial support to Black farmers and land stewards seeking to grow their agricultural skills. Recipients can receive up to $500to cover tuition or registration fees for training programs, conferences, schools, or collectives that deepen farming knowledge and capacity.
    • Key Details:
      • Eligibility: Black farmers or land stewards who are NEFOC Network Memberspursuing publicly available, structured education programs.
      • Land Steward: Someone who devotes a significant portion of their time to care for land in a way that is in sync with ecosystem restoration, climate healing, and cultural preservation.
      • Farmer: A person who is making the day-to-day operating decisions on a farm or spending half of their time cultivating the land.
    • Funding: Covers tuition/registration fees only (not travel, food, or lodging).
    • Application Period: Open during the first week of every month.
  • New York State Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit
    • Webpage: https://parks.ny.gov/preservation/programs/tax-credit/historic-barns
    • Tax Credit Information
    • “Owners of historic barns may qualify for a New York State tax incentive for qualified rehabilitation work. The Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit program offers a New York State income tax credit equal to 25% of the Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures (QREs). Work may be interior-only, exterior-only, or both. Generally, in-kind repairs and some amount of retrofitting and replacement materials are allowed, but work that changes the historic appearance of the barn does not qualify.”
    • Qualifications
      • You must be a NYS taxpayer
      • The barn must have been constructed prior to 1946
      • Barn must have been originally used as an agricultural facility or for related purposes
      • Your qualified rehabilitation expenditures (QREs) must amount to $5,000 or more
      • The barn must not have been used as a residence within one year prior to applying for the credit
      • The project must not convert the barn into a residence
    • Application Information
      • Part 1: Provide baseline information about the applicant and the barn
      • Part 2: Describe the proposed work and break down the work items into categories. Does not require formal estimates from a contractor to submit your application but you will need a brief description of the barn’s existing condition, description of the proposed rehabilitation, estimated costs, images
      • Part 3: This is submitted after the work is completed. The tax credit is claimed for the tax year in which the Part 3 is approved. You will need to submit a description of each complete work item and completed work photographs.
    • Program Contacts

undefined

  • By clicking here you can access a public calendar with upcoming programming from CCEDC, extension offices in surrounding counties, and other local organizations. The calendar also has upcoming grant application deadlines.

Contact

Isabella Yannuzzi
Agriculture/Horticulture Program Leader
imy3@cornell.edu
118

Last updated August 20, 2026

Agriculture

Upcoming Agriculture/Horticulture Programming, Trainings, and Workshops

By clicking here you can access a public calendar with upcoming programming from CCEDC, extension offices in surrounding counties, and other local organizations. The calendar also has upcoming grant application deadlines.