New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program Competitive Grant Program

Release Request for Proposals (RFP) January 27, 2026 Informational Workshop February 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r6f1ed9f870928103732bad7861fef173 Question Submission Deadline March 20, 2026 Questions and Answers Posted April 6, 2026 Deadline for Applications April 28, 2026 Announcement of Award July/August 2026 The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program. Applications for funding must conform to the format provided in the Statewide Financial System. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED via the Statewide Grants Management System (SFS GM) to be considered for funding. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. The name for this opportunity is “New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program” and the Grant Opportunity ID is #AGM-WFD26 The New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program will support the creation, expansion and/or operations of workforce development programs that prepare individuals for industry jobs in New York’s agriculture and food sectors. Up to $3,000,000 is available on a competitive basis through this RFP. The award contract term will not exceed 3 years. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 through this funding opportunity. A minimum match of 20% is required. The matching requirement may be met through the awardee’s own resources and/or in-kind services. Eligible Programs A non-exhaustive list of examples of eligible programs include: · Work-based learning or training programs, internships and/or apprenticeships that allow participants to earn payment or a salary while they learn · Job-based, experiential learning opportunities that allow participants to work in job simulation or “on-the-job” practical training environments · Training resulting in a certificate, microcredential or other industry-recognized credential Ineligible Programs Ineligible programs include, but are not limited to: · Programs that solely benefit, or lead to jobs at, a single employer or organization · Programs not located within New York State or serving New York State participants · Programs that use grant funds for construction, purchase or lease of land or buildings, or purchase of vehicles · Programs that solely expose individuals to the types of careers in the agriculture or food system sectors, but do not result in specific skill set development · Costs incurred outside the grant period cannot be covered by grant funds Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 6.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 15.00% WBE Goal: 15.00%