New York Ag Department seeking input for program supporting disadvantaged farmers

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball says that the Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting letters of interest from prospective program administrators with experience working with or representing socially and economically disadvantaged farmers for Round 3 of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program.

The grant program aims to expand opportunities to farmers who are less likely to enter or succeed in the agricultural field, due to discrimination and the inability to access resources.

“This is a great opportunity for entities to play a direct role in helping our agricultural industry grow,” Commissioner Ball said.

“I encourage all eligible entities to take advantage of the opportunity to administer the third round of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program and help provide farmers across our state with the funding they need to start or improve their business.”

Funding for the program was provided in the New York State Budget and builds on the State’s work to expand opportunities in agriculture to more New Yorkers.

Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program, which was funded in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 New York State Budget to assist farmers who face disproportionate barriers to success due to discrimination.

The selected administrator will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, on a competitive basis to eligible socially and economically disadvantaged farmers who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm within a region of the state.

For more information about this opportunity, visit this website link. Letters of Interest must be received by the Department by October 07, 2026.

New York Department of Agriculture and Markets image.