Program Administrator for the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program Round 3

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is issuing a Request for Information on September 11, 2026 to identify qualified entities interested in administering the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program Round 3, with responses due October 8, 2026. This RFI is not a procurement solicitation—no contract award results from responding—but signals that a formal RFP will follow at an unspecified date; all RFI respondents will be notified when the RFP becomes available.

Eligible administering entities include municipalities, public benefit corporations, local development corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. Organizations unable to directly provide financial or capital assistance are encouraged to partner with qualifying entities that can.

The Program Administrator must develop an RFP in consultation with the Department, conduct outreach to socially and economically disadvantaged farmers throughout New York State, evaluate grant applications, execute grant agreements, monitor awardee performance, disburse funds on a reimbursement basis, and provide periodic progress reports to the Department. Grant awards may support farm start-ups, improvements, expansion, worker training, marketing, land and equipment purchases, and physical structure construction or improvement. Individual grants must range from $5,000 to $250,000 with a required recipient match of no more than 20 percent of the grant amount.

Total Program funding is $2,000,000 allocated from New York State's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Enacted Budgets. The Program Administrator may use a maximum of 15 percent ($300,000) for administration services and expenses, with a minimum of 85 percent ($1,700,000) designated for grants to eligible farmers.

An informational webinar is scheduled for September 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Letters of Interest are due October 8, 2026 via email to mary.clark-smith@agriculture.ny.gov. Responding to this RFI does not establish a prerequisite for the future RFP nor guarantee any contract consideration.