New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced $3 million is available to boost the development of a skilled workforce in New York’s agricultural and food systems industries. First announced in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State, the New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program supports the creation and expansion of workforce development programs that prepare individuals for jobs in New York’s diverse agriculture and food sectors.
Commissioner Ball said, “New York’s agricultural and food industries need to continue to attract and retain future generations of skilled workers who are prepared for a career in an industry that is rapidly developing alongside emerging technologies and ever-changing consumer demand. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to ensuring a strong agricultural pipeline in New York and look forward to seeing awarded projects make a difference for our industry.”
Successful applicants for the New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program must implement a program that prepares or leads individuals to employment in the agriculture or food system sector. Examples include programs that provide formal education or experiential learning for individuals to enter and gain skills applicable to jobs in the agriculture or food system industries; formal training or workforce development programs that provide, upon completion, a certificate, credential or other industry-recognized credential; and/or a formal program for currently employed individuals to gain new skills that help them better compete for other jobs in the industry or advance in their current role.
Funding for this program was included in the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 State Budgets. Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, municipal government entities, and public benefit corporations. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 through this funding opportunity. A minimum match of 20% is required. The matching requirement may be met through the awardee’s own resources and/or in-kind services.
Source : ny.gov