BUFFALO, N.Y. — Six farmers markets across New York State are receiving major funding ahead of national farmers market week. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced Monday that nearly $250,000 has been awarded to the following farmers' market organizations through round 2 of the Farmers Market Resiliency Grant Program:
- Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation of Kings County (New York City)
- Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Inc. of Sullivan County (Mid-Hudson)
- Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market Inc. of Monroe County (Finger Lakes)
- Fulton Market Association Inc. of New York County (New York City)
- Village of Greenwood Lake of Orange County (Mid-Hudson)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (Mohawk Valley)
Funding aims to help these markets expand their infrastructure, improve accessibility of products for consumers, increase marketing and outreach efforts, and create agriculture internship opportunities.
"Thanks to this program, we are a step closer in creating the resilient and streamlined food supply chain needed to get more New York food on the tables of all New Yorkers," said Commissioner Ball. According to a release, award funding was included in the 2023-24 New York State Budget. Award recipients from the first round of the program were announced in spring of last year, and can be found here.
New York State has invested in several programs to increase demand for the state's agricultural products and to increase accessibility to fresh foods that are locally grown. These efforts include Farmers' Markets Nutrition Programs, Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, a $10 million dollar grant program to improve food accessibility, and more.
To learn more about these state programs, visit agriculture.ny.gov/healthy-communities
