Relief Fund Now Available for Hudson Valley Farmers

A new relief fund to help Hudson Valley farmers is now accepting applications. Here's who is eligible and how they can apply.

Hudson Valley farmers who have been impacted by the federal freeze of USDA-sourced grants now have a way to apply for emergency funds to help.

USDA-Sourced Grant Freeze

A new relief fund has been set up to support Hudson Valley farms that have been directly impacted by the temporary freeze on USDA-sourced grants, which began back in January after President Trump signed an executive order titled "Unleashing American Energy". The freeze stops farmers from receiving funds and impacts programs like the Regional Energy for America Program (REAP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Regional Food Business Centers.

Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund

The Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund is a "rapid response fund" that is being administered by the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming to provide financial support to Hudson Valley farms that have been directly impacted by the recent freeze on USDA-sourced grants.

How to Apply

If you or someone you know operates a farm business in one of the following New York counties: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan, or Westchester, they may be eligible to access emergency funds. Folks can begin the application process online here. All applications must be submitted by midnight on Monday, April 21st, to be considered.

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Farms must also demonstrate that the money they had a reasonable expectation of receiving is not currently available because of the freezing and/or termination of USDA funds, according to The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming.

How Much Money Will Farms Receive?

Every farm that applies and meets the application requirements will receive funds. The exact amount has yet to be determined as the "fundraising sprint" is still underway, but it will depend on the total number of qualified farm applicants and the total amount of financial relief requested. Organizers stated, "We are committed to distributing funds as equitably as possible."

For more information and other frequently asked questions, check out Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming online here.