RFP 0287 - Administrator for the Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program

The Department is seeking an eligible entity to administer the the Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program, which was funded in the 2022-23 State Budget to assist farmers who are new to the field. ands build on the State’s work to expand opportunities for farming to more New Yorkers.

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. Beginning farmers include those 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. This may include urban farmers.

Proposals for the program administrator were due to the Department’s Division of Fiscal Management by 3:00 p.m. on April 18, 2023.

Mail or hand-deliver your proposal, in one sealed envelope or package. See the RFP for specific and complete instructions on how to prepare and address the proposal. The exhibits and documents below should also be reviewed carefully before submission.

Please see the document below for guidance on frequently asked questions.

The Department has held two virtual Farmer Fund Bidders Conferences to discuss the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program and the Beginning Farmers Competitive Grant Program. A recording of the webinar on February 10th can be viewed here, a recording of the webinar on March 14 can be viewed here, and the presentations from both webinars can be viewed below.