Jefferson County Economic Development, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, with funding provided by Jefferson County, is now accepting applications for this competitive grant designed to increase local food production within Jefferson County.
Donor Name: Jefferson County Economic Development
State: New York
County: Jefferson County (NY)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000
Details:
The purpose of this grant program is to increase the local food supply by increasing local value – added food processing capacity within Jefferson County, NY.
It is the intent of this program to provide funding to stimulate increased production and processing capacity within the five major food groups as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those food groups are:
- fruits – processing that adds value to whole fruit and non-alcoholic fruit juices
- vegetables – processing that adds value to whole vegetables or vegetable based products
- grains – processing that adds value to whole or refined grains grown in Jefferson County
- proteins (animal and plant based) – processing that adds value to proteins
- dairy (milk from mammals) – processing that adds value to dairy products from local milk available for direct to consumer sales
- fats, oils and sweeteners were removed from the USDA Food Pyramid. It is recognized that these natural sweeteners have nutritional value and are of local economic importance. Honey and tree sap projects are eligible for funding.
Funding Information
Applicants may apply for a grant up to a maximum of $10,000.
Funds from this program may be used for the following purposes
- Purchase of equipment or technology to enhance food processing capacity or quality.
- Construction, expansion or improvements to facilities or infrastructure directly expanding food processing capacity or quality.
- Improvements to product labeling, such as the addition of UPC Codes, allowing better retail capacity for local products.
Grant funds may not be used for
- Hiring staff or consultants
- paying for training, marketing, feasibility studies, engineering and architectural studies and reports, and fees.
- The purchase, leasing, or rental of equipment for the purpose of transportation on local, state and federal highways, and are required to be registered and/or licensed by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Purchase of food products that are not directly grown or raised in Jefferson County. Applicant must be able to demonstrate that the purchased value – added food product was grown or raised directly from their farm.
- Other costs not directly resulting in the increased production or processing capacity of local foods.
- The production or processing of any agricultural crops or products prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Evaluation Criteria
Grant applications will be evaluated by using the following ranking system. A value system of 1 to 10 points will be awarded on each criteria.
- Has the application been fully completed with specific information as requested?
- Projects providing a minimum cash match, or higher will be ranked higher.
- The project provides increased production, quality or improved processing of locally grown food.
- How widely across Jefferson County is the food sold to the public?
- Projects will be awarded points in ranges of 8 – 10 points for fruit and vegetables, 6 – 8 points for dairy and proteins, 4 – 8 for grains, and tree sap and honey 2 – 6.
- Will the project have a long term impact on production, quality or processing of the crop?
- Has the applicant received a Round I Food Resiliency Grant?
- Has the applicant demonstrated an ability to complete the project as outlined in their application?
- Does the business/farm have a 911 physical address in Jefferson County?
For more information, visit Jefferson County.
