[New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets](https://agriculture.ny.gov)

Rolling

Up to $50,000 per county (or $100,000 for joint county applications); 50% match required (min. 20% cash, max. 80% in-kind); total program allocation $600,000.

Supports New York counties in developing or updating agricultural and farmland protection plans to promote sustainable land use and local agriculture.

--- ## Description This program provides financial assistance to New York counties for the development or updating of county agriculture and farmland protection plans. The initiative aims to foster the long-term viability and resilience of local agriculture by supporting strategic planning that promotes the protection and sustainable use of agricultural land. Counties can use funds to create new plans or revise existing ones, ensuring their agricultural policies reflect current challenges and opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. - Awards are made biannually, with funding decisions beginning April 1, 2022, and continuing as long as funds are available. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $50,000 per county (or $100,000 for two counties applying jointly). - Grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs. - Counties must provide a 50% match (at least 20% in cash, up to 80% in-kind). - Total program allocation: $600,000 for the current funding cycle. - Projects must be completed within 18 months of contract approval. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: Any New York county that: - Has established an agricultural and farmland protection board. - Has not had an agricultural and farmland protection plan approved by the Commissioner in the last ten years. - Counties with existing plans approved more than 10 years ago are eligible to apply for updates. - Two eligible counties may apply jointly (one must serve as the lead for contract purposes). - The county must document the required cash match (e.g., via resolution or letter from an authorized official). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [New York State Grants Gateway](https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/). - Counties must be registered in the Grants Gateway system before applying. - Required application materials include: - Information for key contacts (legislative chair, principal contact, board chair). - Description of county agricultural trends and needs. - Detailed plan of work and timetable. - Qualifications of plan developers. - Description and documentation of matching funds. - Applications are reviewed for eligibility, responsiveness to program criteria, and completeness. - Priority is given based on the date an application is deemed eligible and complete. - If funds are exhausted, eligible applications are held for consideration in the next fiscal year. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible costs include staff and consultant services, supplies, printing, communication, travel, and public hearings directly related to plan development. - Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, except for an initial advance of up to 25% of the state award (if requested). - The Department retains 10% of the award until final plan approval. - Awardees must comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, including proof of workers’ compensation and disability insurance. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Instructions](https://agriculture.ny.gov/land-and-water/rfa-0262-county-agriculture-and-farmland-protection-planning-grants) - [Request for Applications (RFA 0262)](https://agriculture.ny.gov/land-and-water/request-applications-rfa-0262-county-agriculture-and-farmland-protection-planning) - [Farmland Protection Planning Grants Program](https://agriculture.ny.gov/land-and-water/farmland-protection-planning-grants-program) - [New York State Grants Gateway](https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------| | Jeffrey Kehoe, Program Manager | [Jeffrey.Kehoe@agriculture.ny.gov](mailto:Jeffrey.Kehoe@agriculture.ny.gov) | (518) 457-4626 | 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235 | | General Department Contact | [Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov](mailto:Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov) | (518) 457-2771 | 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235 | For more information, visit the [Department Contact Page](https://agriculture.ny.gov/contact-us).

RFA 0262 - County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Planning Grants

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