1 abr 2025
HVADC Administrating $586,000 Funding for Small- to Mid-Sized Farms
HVADC is now administrating the Ulster County Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program, with applications open from March 19 through April 30, 2025. The program is designed to support farms which intend to increase Farm Viability and Energy Efficiency or Climate Resiliency with projects completed through June 2026.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced the program on March 19, with grants that range from $25,000 to $75,000 to support county farmers in maintaining viable and resilient farms now and in the future. Farm Viability & Sustainability Grants are intended to be used for services, equipment, production costs, and other expenses to build both economic and environmental sustainability within Ulster County’s farm sector. Examples of eligible equipment and expenses include, but are not limited to, biodiesel/electric trucks/tractors, cold storage, farm equipment, precise irrigation systems, solar panels, washing/packing materials, associated supplies, and energy efficient upgrades of equipment and/or systems.
“Ulster County is home to more than 480 farms, and with the majority of those operations defined as small or mid-sized farms, this funding has the potential to have significant impact on the viability of the agricultural sector in rural communities there,” said Todd Erling, Executive Director, HVADC.
The program is specifically for projects that address both farm viability and energy efficiency/climate resiliency. Funding is available for projects related to the following program priorities:
Increased Farm Viability: Market development, enhanced production, and improved profitability/cost savings.
Energy efficiency related to on-farm or farm-business operations.
Facility upgrades in farm operations.
Climate resiliency in farm operations and practices, including projects, equipment, and supplies that improve soil health, prevent erosion, and save/reuse water. Projects that increase a farm’s product diversity, health, and self-reliance with the ability to adapt when confronted with changing market conditions, uncertain environmental conditions, and/or supply chain interruptions.
“Our local farms are so important to our economy, communities, and character as a County, and we are committed to keeping farming strong here,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “This grant program will bolster the long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resilience of our farms by addressing both the market and climate challenges they face.”
Eligible applicants include for-profit farms classified as “Farm Operations” under Section 301 of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, as well as not-for-profit organizations involved in farming activities, and must have an annual income below $1 million.
“Ulster County farms have long been a mainstay of our local economy and are at the heart of our communities,” said Deborah DeWan, Ulster County Agriculture Services Program Administrator. “But today, many farms are struggling in the face of increased production costs, challenging market systems and the real-time effects of climate change. We are excited to make this opportunity available to our farmers as they seek to meet these challenges,” she continued.
Farmers can access the full Request for Proposals, apply online, and explore additional resources on the HVADC website at www.hvadc.org/ulster-county-farm-grants.
Technical assistance will be available throughout the application process until the April 30 deadline. For any questions, reach out via email at ucfarmviability@hvadc.org.