Many farmers”™ markets basked in the sun and warm temperatures that arrived just in time for the Memorial Day weekend crowds. That”™s good news for farmers, who will be glad to learn the state is stepping up to the plate to make their markets more accessible for vendors and consumers once again.
State agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced the release of the farmers”™ market grant program requests for proposals. The grant program provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, expansion or rehabilitation of a farmers”™ market in the state.
As part of the “Grow New York” program, Gov. David Paterson has allocated $150,000 toward the initiative in his executive budget. (As of this writing, that budget remains unsigned in the Legislature.)
Proposals must involve physical improvements to a farmers”™ market, such as construction, site preparation, water or electrical improvements, permanent signage, equipment or architectural or engineering designs. Eligible farmers”™ markets are any building or property, owned or leased by any municipal corporation, market authority, public benefit corporation, nonprofit or agricultural cooperative that has two or more agricultural producers offering farm and food products for sale to consumers.
Applicants can apply for up to $25,000 in matching funds, which should not exceed more than 50 percent of the project”™s cost.
Farmers”™ Market grant applications can be obtained by contacted Meg McCabe at (800) 554-4501. Applications for funding are due by July 27.
There are nearly 1,000 farmers participating in 400 farmers”™ markets throughout the state. The state”™s grant program has given nearly $1 million to 63 market facility improvements projects since the program began in 2000.
The New York state Department of Agriculture”™s website offers a listing of markets by county.
