Nineteen farm and food organizations across New York have been awarded $13.7 million in grant funding to enhance the state’s agricultural supply chain under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the awards on June 16 in Albany, stating, “Farmers are our lifeblood – they nourish our families and fuel our economy, and it is more important than ever that we invest in projects that bolster our local food supply chain.”
The RFSI Program is a cooperative effort between New York State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. The newly awarded grants support infrastructure projects that focus on aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of agricultural food products. The program is part of a broader $14.7 million initiative introduced in May 2024.
Administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund, Inc. (FFGF), the program also includes an Equipment-Only Grant initiative, which will open for applications soon. That round will offer $30,000 to $100,000 for eligible projects that expand capacity in the food system’s middle supply chain. Competitive projects are expected to benefit multiple producers and markets.
Richard A. Ball, New York State Agriculture Commissioner, said the funding would help modernize and construct facilities, improve food safety, and support equipment purchases. “The RFSI program offers us an opportunity to strengthen New York’s food system in real and meaningful ways,” he said.
Senator Charles Schumer praised the initiative, calling it “a win-win” for New York farmers and consumers. “The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is key to improving our food supply chains, expanding markets for New York farmers, and helping local farmers and businesses purchase the equipment they need,” he said.
Additional partners include Tierra Viva Collective, which is offering technical assistance to improve supply chain coordination, and Cornell University, which is conducting assessments on state processing infrastructure and institutional purchasing.
Applicants interested in the upcoming Equipment-Only grants must act quickly, as the application window will be brief. FFGF has provided a checklist of required materials, including letters of support and commitment, budget quotes, and site plans. Complete information will be posted on the websites of both AGM and FFGF once the application process opens.
These efforts align with Governor Hochul’s broader agricultural agenda. Executive Order 32 mandates that state agencies increase their purchases of New York-sourced food to 30 percent within five years. The state’s FY 2026 Budget includes more than $90 million in stewardship programs, along with $10 million for a second round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program.
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