RFP 0322 - Administrator for the Socially and Economically Disadv...

The Department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the $2 million Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program, which was funded in the 2022-2023 New York State Budget to assist farmers who face disproportionate social or economic barriers to success.

The administrator will accept applications for grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, which will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible farmers. Socially disadvantaged individuals include those who have been subject to discrimination due to their race or ethnicity, including those who identify as Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander. Economically disadvantaged farmers include individuals whose farming opportunities have been hindered due to diminished capital, credit opportunities, or access to land, among other things, as compared to other similarly situated individuals who are not socially disadvantaged.