State Agriculture Department Announces More than $1.5 Million to...

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in coordination with New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI), today announced that more than $1.5 million in funding will support nine advanced research, education, and marketing projects that will enhance the competitiveness of New York’s specialty crop growers across New York. New York’s specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, maple syrup, and honey, and are among the state’s most valuable agricultural products. AGM secured the grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program. 

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Specialty Crop Block Grant program supports the strength of New York’s specialty crops by investing in research, encouraging innovation, and helping our agricultural community remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace. I look forward to seeing these important projects come to fruition and support New York’s agricultural landscape for years to come.”

Aaron Ristow, Executive Director of the New York Farm Viability Institute, said, “New York’s specialty crop growers are facing new pests, a changing climate, and rising labor costs, and these projects take on all three. Our farmer-led review process makes sure these dollars go to practical research that New York growers can put to work on their farms.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program is administered through AGM, in partnership with the NYFVI. NYFVI recommended just over $1,000,000 for four grower research and education projects at Cornell University, one at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and one at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Projects will:

• evaluate how high summer temperatures affect the performance and persistence of five commonly used insecticides used to manage Spotted Lanternfly infestations (Cornell University);
• identify wage, work hour, and benefit combinations that support both farm profitability and worker well-being as related to specialty crop operations (Cornell University); 
• develop and evaluate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to improve white mold control and reduce crop losses (Cornell University);
• develop new hop varieties adapted to New York growing conditions and resistant to regional plant diseases (Cornell University);
• evaluate the effectiveness of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalytic nanoparticles (PNPs) for managing grape downy mildew while minimizing impacts on soil health (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai); and
• lead a statewide initiative to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of New York’s Concord grape industry through the development of a strategic planning roadmap (New York Wine & Grape Foundation).

Additionally, $450,000 from the Specialty Crop Block Grant program will also support the marketing and promotion of New York’s specialty crops at tradeshows; promote Good Agricultural Practices Audits; and provide technical assistance to growers.

Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said, “While New York's specialty crop growers face complex and evolving challenges, they also benefit from a powerful ecosystem of researchers, growers, and industry partners working together to address them. This investment supports the innovation and collaboration needed to translate discovery into meaningful impact for agricultural communities across the state.”

Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, “Concord grapes are New York's most widely grown grape and are a critical part of the state’s agricultural landscape. This funding will assist NYWGF in creating a strategic roadmap to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of New York’s Concord grape industry. We look forward to continuing to enhance the resilience and sustainability of this sector.”

Since 2015, the NYFVI has supported the Department by administering the Specialty Crop Block Grants’ competitive application process. NYFVI evaluates the research proposals, reviews applications, submits recommendations to the Department and oversees the progress of the projects. Grant funds are awarded to applicants whose projects have statewide significance to the specialty crop industry and build knowledge that will help all growers.

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