State offers local farmers grants of up to $50K

Aug. 04--Farmers in the region are now eligible for up to $50,000 in grants for facility upgrades.

There is $500,000 to be dispersed among farmers in the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Council's six counties, which include Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Fulton, Schoharie and Otsego counties, to help producers meet the food safety and environmental standards of the New York State Grown and Certified Program.

Eligible commodities include produce, dairy, shellfish, eggs, beef, poultry, pork, maple products, alcoholic beverages and beverage ingredients.

Applicants are required to contribute 10 percent of the total project cost in the form of cash equity. Eligible producers can apply for grant funding for farm business infrastructure improvements that directly impact a producer's ability to increase market opportunities for their products.

The two facets of the certification process are food safety standards and agricultural environmental management.

The New York State Grown and Certified label is an NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets initiative to get farms to develop comprehensive farm plans with help from a county's soil and water district and use best practices for safe food handling. When a producer meets the certifications, its products will receive specific labeling to deem it certified as meeting regulation standards.

The grant, which is being distributed by New York state via Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, aims to provide monetary aid to develop these resources within New York state.

David Cox, ag program leader of the CCE for Otsego and Schoharie counties, said the grants are an incentive for farmers to join the initiative.

"Grants like this can make a significant impact on their [farmers'] business or get them ready for food safety," Cox said, especially those considering producing value-added products on their farm.

Cox said he expects this to be beneficial for major institutional purchasers such as schools and hospitals who wish to increase their percentage of state products.

"They may be looking for products with that seal because of its implications," he said.

To date, one farm from Oneida County and two from Montgomery County have applied for the grants.

The monies will be available for five years on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cox said the certification will make certain processes more transparent and help consumers in their buying practices.

Already products with the NYS Grown and Certified label can be found at retailers such as Hannaford Markets and Stewart's Shops. A state website documents and provides the locations of certified producers, restaurants, retailers and distributors so consumers know where to shop for local products.

Whitney Bashaw, staff writer, can be reached at (607) 441-7218 or wbashaw@thedailystar.com . Follow her on Twitter @DS_WhitneyB .

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