The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) has announced its small grants program for 2025, with a total funding amount of $300,000. This program is designed to support projects that focus on research, education, and technical assistance aimed at enhancing agricultural production in the six counties of Northern New York: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence. Eligible projects must be conducted at operating farms within these counties or at designated agricultural research facilities, including the Cornell E.V. Baker Research Farm and the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute.

The primary purpose of the NNYADP small grants program is to foster agricultural innovation and sustainability in Northern New York. The program encourages projects that evaluate and improve agricultural practices, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance the economic viability of local farms. Specific areas of focus include crops research, dairy research, horticultural and local foods research, maple production, and technology-focused research. Examples of funded projects from previous years include studies on the environmental benefits of crop production practices, the development of new fruit and nut crops, and the creation of user-friendly tools for farmers.

Funding from this program can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including research initiatives, educational programs, and technical assistance projects that directly benefit the agricultural sector. The grants are intended to support activities that can lead to practical improvements in farming practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of agriculture in the region. Importantly, there is no matching requirement for applicants, making it accessible for a range of organizations.

Eligible applicants for the NNYADP small grants program include county governments and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the agricultural community in Northern New York and align with the program's objectives of enhancing agricultural production and sustainability.

Submission requirements for the grant application are detailed on the NNYADP website. Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive information about their proposed projects, including objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. The application process may include specific questions designed to evaluate the project's alignment with the program's goals.

Evaluation criteria for the grant applications will focus on the project's relevance to agricultural development, potential impact on the local farming community, and feasibility of implementation. The review process will assess how well the proposed project meets the objectives of the NNYADP and its potential to contribute to agricultural innovation in the region.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2025 small grants program is October 30, 2024. Interested parties should ensure that their applications are submitted by this date to be considered for funding. For more information about the program and to access the application materials, applicants can visit the NNYADP website.