New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced $8.5 million has been awarded to 69 farms, food processors, and distributors across the State through the New York State Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research, and Development (NYS G&C ITRD) grant program.
“These improvements will ultimately help our farms and agribusinesses meet the growing needs of the industry and consumer demand, including producing food that is grown and packed with food safety measures and environmental consideration top of mind, which is what the NYS Grown & Certified program is all about,” the Ag Commissioner said.
Over $2.5 million has been allocated for the Capitol, Mohawk Valley and North Country regions. Four farms/food businesses in the North Country were awarded with funding, with six like establishments also receiving funding in Mohawk Valley.
This round of competition sought infrastructure and technology projects focused on distribution capacity enhancement; processing and packaging; production automation and labor efficiency.
The Ag Commissioner says that this program is helping agricultural operations, from apple growers and vegetable growers to dairy processors and craft beverage producers, to purchase equipment and enhance infrastructure, supporting the use of state-of-the-art practices to bring NYS Grown & Certified food and beverage products to market.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball image.
