Grow with Grants

2026 Grant Opportunities:

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Round 2: 

The Beginning Farmer competitive grant program is funded by the State of New York and administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute. The intent of this program is to support new entrants to agriculture as well as individuals who are familiar with agricultural production and are ready to own or grow an independent enterprise.

New York Farm Viability Institute Beginning Farmers Grant Round 2 

Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP)

The Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP) is a one-time competitive grant opportunity supporting farms interested in demonstrating innovative equipment and technology that improves air and water quality, strengthens farm operations, and generates practical lessons for other farmers.

The program is administered by the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) and funded by the New York State Office of the Attorney General.

Funding Available

A total of $1.35 million is available to farms through this competitive program. Funding is organized across three categories:

1. Soil Health & Cover Crop Equipment

Grants up to $50,000 for equipment supporting no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop management.

2. Agricultural Drones & Drone Services

Grants up to $50,000 for limited drone purchases or contracted drone services such as imaging, cover crop seeding, and targeted applications.

3. Innovative Equipment & Precision Agriculture Technology

Grants up to $75,000 for advanced technologies such as GPS guidance, sensors, automation, robotics, and data-driven tools with clear environmental benefits.

Farmers may submit up to three project ideas (one per category) and ranked first, second, and third choice. Depending on available funding, more than one project per farm may be awarded.

Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP) Grant Application

Last updated January 20, 2026