Administrator for the Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program Round 2

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Department) seeks proposals from eligible entities, to administer a Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program (Program). Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis to farmers who have not operated a farm for more than ten years, and who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm within a region of the state and may include urban farmers.

A total of $2,000,000 is available for the Program, of which not more than 15% ($300,000) may be used by the Program Administrator for services and expenses directly related to the administration of the Program. A minimum of $1,700,000 (85%) must be made available for the award of grants to eligible beginning farmers.

Grants may be awarded for purposes including, but not limited to:

• the start-up, improvement or expansion of a farm operation,
• worker or apprenticeship training,
• marketing activities,
• the purchase of agricultural land and physical structures thereon,
• the purchase of machinery, equipment or livestock, or
• the construction or improvement of physical structures, including semi-permanent structures.

Grants may be awarded for projects on land leased by the recipient.
Pursuant to the enacting legislation, the Department is authorized to enter into agreements with municipalities, public benefit corporations, local development corporations, or not-for-profit organizations that provide financial assistance, including capital assistance for the administration of the grant program. The purpose of this RFP is to select an entity to administer the Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program.

The following entities are eligible to submit a proposal:

a. Municipalities
b. Public benefit corporations
c. Local development corporations
d. Not-for-profit organizations
NOTE: Proposals will also be accepted from eligible entities proposing to partner with other organizations to provide financial assistance, including capital assistance to ensure the effective distribution of grant funds. The lead partner must be an eligible entity under this Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be considered the lead Program Administrator.