ALBANY — The New York Farm Viability Institute board of directors has identified 17 projects for funding in the FVI competitive grant program. Farmers across the state evaluated and discussed the proposals, and the board is confident that they will create the knowledge that New York farmers need to continuously change and improve. The projects will support farmers to make informed business decisions about anaerobic digesters to reduce methane emissions; understand the value of manure; and continue to develop knowledge about dairy nutrition to inform feeding practices. Other work will help growers use less pesticides as they manage increasingly prevalent pest and disease conditions due to climate change.
This year, the organization’s FY 21/22 appropriation, combined with one-time adjustments related to the pandemic, allowed seventeen projects for a total of $1.8 million to be supported.
“I would like to thank the New York State legislature and Governor for the trust they have placed in our organization to make wise and effective use of state funds. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Hinchey, Assemblymember Lupardo and their Ag committees as they have helped their colleagues build knowledge about the food system and agriculture across the state,” said Dave Ryan, NYFVI chair.
A full list and more information about the projects that were funded can be found here.
New York Farm Viability Institute Board of Directors
Dave Ryan, NYFVI Chair NYS Nursery and Landscape Assoc.
Tim Dressel, NYFVI Vice Chair, At large member, Specialty Crops
Mary Jeanne Packer, NYFVI Secretary/ Treasurer Empire State CAO
Pauline Drexler, At Large member, Livestock
Mike Jordan At large member, Juice Grapes and Wine
Chris Kelder, NY Farm Bureau
Jill MacKenzie, New York Horticultural Society
Rob Noble, NYFVI Dairy Committee
Brian Reeves, NYS Vegetable Growers Assoc.
–New York Farm Viability Institute