NEW YORK STATE — The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) is accepting proposals for grant funding for projects that assist New York farmers in improving profitability. Funding will be awarded to projects that help farmers improve profitability, offer models for other farms to follow, and meet farmer-prioritized needs and opportunities within New York State.

Farmer groups, researchers, educators, nonprofit groups and privately-owned businesses may apply for funds.

The requests for proposals for three NYFVI grant programs are online at www.nyfvi.org. The categories are Agriculture Innovation Center, which includes business planning, marketing and value-added product development; Energy Management & Bioenergy, including on-farm energy conservation and bioenergy systems; and Outreach & Applied Research, including on-farm research trials and outreach education.

Application budget requests may not exceed $150,000. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. August 12, and contingent upon receiving a state contract for funding, The NYFVI Board plans to make funding decisions in December.