New York State Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (BFCG)

The NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program provides funding to help new and early-stage farmers build financially sustainable agricultural businesses in New York State. It assists beginning farmers with the financial costs associated with the creation or expansion of a new farm operation. The program is administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

For-profit farm businesses operating within New York State that are start-ups or have been in business for ten years or less. Beginning farmers must be actively involved in day-to-day farm management and operate a commercial farm in New York State. Applicants whose farms generated less than $1,000 in the prior year must provide a business plan. Applicants must demonstrate potential for business growth and improved financial sustainability.

Awards range from $5,000–$50,000 and $50,001–$200,000, based on project complexity and duration. All projects require a 5% match, regardless of funding amount.

Applications are competitive and reimbursement-based, submitted online through the NYFVI grant portal at grantinterface.com. The 2026 application window (Round 2) was open March 16, 2026 through June 14, 2026, with award announcements anticipated by early October 2026.