ALBANY, NY — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on July 9 announced that $750,000 has been awarded to 10 organizations across the state through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program. The grant will help farmers’ markets make infrastructure improvements, update processing systems, increase marketing and promotional efforts, and increase the resiliency of the state’s food supply chain. Funding for the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program is a part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to invest in New York’s agricultural industry, increase food access and strengthen the food system.

Commissioner Ball said, “This program is so important because it supports our farmers and agricultural industry while also improving access to healthy and nutritious food to communities across our state. We are proud to support our farmers’ markets and ensure they have the tools they need to serve their communities and continue to grow. In addition, our FreshConnect and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, both offered at farmers’ markets across the State, allow New Yorkers to use their benefits to purchase food at their local farmers’ markets, and continued outreach efforts are helping consumers take advantage of these opportunities.”

The Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program was first announced as part of the Governor’s 2022 State of the State to enhance long-term food system resiliency through New York State’s farmers’ markets. Funding through this program is aimed at boosting demand for New York agricultural products; bolstering New York's food supply chain; ensuring all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods; and creating a resilient food system that can withstand extreme events.

Through this fourth round, 10 farmers’ market organizations across the state were awarded funding to strengthen their markets and make local food more available to consumers. The awarded recipients include:

CCE Sullivan County ($50,000): To invest in multilingual marketing materials to increase farmers’ market promotions and mobile market outreach, provide mini- grants to vendors, and promote SNAP and other food benefits.