The New York Farm Viability Institute works to help New York farmers become more profitable and improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of New York State’s farms, the food system, and the communities they serve.

To that end, NYFVI has issued an RFP for its competitive grant program, which will provide grants of up to $125,000 over two years in support of proposals that have clear relevance to the state’s agriculture community, demonstrated producer support, and have the ability to deliver farm-level economic impact over time. Apply by Oct. 17.

The organization is interested in projects that are focused on evaluating the benefits of new technologies and, in particular, proposals that accelerate practice adoption. Ideas include but are not limited to demonstrating the value of new technology and tools (how will your work help farmers understand which new tools or practices are most valuable, and in which situations?); increasing the use of data-based decision making on farms; and projects that help farmers see the economic value of practices to their business. The board is interested in proposals that align with NYFVI’s mission and priorities in the topic areas of antimicrobial use, carbon sequestration, climate change impacts, food system resiliency, Integrated Pest Management, soil health, and water quality.

Eligible applicants include farmer groups, researchers, educators, organizations, agencies, and businesses. Projects must work with New York State resident farmers and outcomes must benefit agriculture in New York State.

In addition, NYFVI is accepting “paired proposals” for funding consideration in the 2021 FVI grant round.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the New York Farm Viability Institute website.