Local Foods Resiliency Grant

Jefferson County Economic Development, assisted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, is now accepting applications for this competitive grant designed to increase local food production within Jefferson County. To apply, click on the button below and complete the easy online form and click submit. Application deadline is Friday April 15, 2022 at 4pm.

To Apply Click Here!

Grants are available for the following areas:

Meat Processing

$150,000 awarded in grants up to $50,000. Funds may be used for projects that increase the production of large and small livestock and poultry. Preference will be given to projects that increase the availability of the USDA licensed inspected meat processing. Funds may be used for the purchase of equipment, infrastructure and building enhancements.

On-Farm Dairy Processing

$125,000 awarded in grants up to $50,000. Funds may be used for projects that increase on-farm value added production of dairy products.

Funds may be used for the purchase of equipment, infrastructure and building enhancements.

Local Foods Processing

$125,000 awarded in grants up to $10,000. Funds may be used to directly increase the commercial production or processing of fruits and vegetables grown in Jefferson County. Grants may be used to purchase equipment, technologies or facility upgrades that enhance the production of value added food products. This may include building 20C kitchens, washing and processing equipment, or UPC labeling

Not Eligible

1. Production agriculture costs such as purchasing livestock, seeds, farm chemicals, and other farm costs.

2. Feasibility study, business planning, training, marketing, reports, fees and indirect costs for a project.

3. Hiring staff or consultants.

other costs not directly resulting in the increased production or processing capacity of local foods.

4. The production or processing of any agricultural crops or products prohibited by federal law.

Match Requirements

Matching funds are not required, but are heavily considered in evaluating your application for funding.

If your application is accepted for funding, project costs will be paid on a reimbursable basis.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County and Jefferson County Economic Developmentstaff will visit you during the application evaluation process and then if awarded, during your project completion

Tax Liability

1. Grant recipients will be issued a IRS 1099 Tax Form at the completion of the completion of their project. Grant recipients may incur a tax liability for the funds received. Please consult your tax consultant on how best to handle any tax liability for the funds received.

2. Any unused funds will be allocated back into the grant program for other projects.

Apply Now!

To apply, click the button. It takes you to an online form. You can submit the form online or print it out and mail it in. If you have questions, call Jay Matteson at 315-782-5865 x 232 or email coordinator@comefarmwithus.com or contact Mike Nuckols at 315-788-8450 or email msn62@cornell.edu. Once we receive your application we will contact you soon afterwards to set up a visit to review your application with you. Application deadline is Friday April 15, 2022 at 4pm. We expect to make award notifications by Monday June 13, 2022.

To Apply Click Here!