Dutchess, Columbia Farms Receive State Grants

Farms in Dutchess and Columbia counties are receiving significant financial support from the state as part of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. Kill Fruit Farms in Germantown will utilize over $1 million to construct a cold storage and modern packing house. Meanwhile, Kyle Ranch in Millerton is set to receive more than $2 million to develop climate-controlled processing facilities.

The RFSI grant program, announced in May 2024, is a cooperative initiative between New York State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. It aims to bolster the middle of the supply chain by modernizing agricultural facilities and enhancing market access for farmers. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, "Farmers are our lifeblood – they nourish our families and fuel our economy, and it is more important than ever that we invest in projects that bolster our local food supply chain here in New York State" as reported by the Governor's Office.

The RFSI program is part of a broader effort to strengthen New York's food systems and ensure resilience in the face of challenges. It provides capital and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses, focusing on infrastructure improvements that enhance the aggregation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. The program has awarded $13.7 million to 19 projects across the state.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in partnership with the Farm and Food Growth Fund, administers the funding. The program also collaborates with organizations like the Tierra Viva Collective and Cornell University to provide technical assistance and conduct assessments of processing infrastructure.