New York State Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program

Project ID: 2131030 State|LocalOpportunities

Overview

Agency	NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets [NY]
Deadline	04/28/26
Posted	02/02/26
Estimated Value	$5,000,000 - $15,000,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	Not Provided
NAICS	Not Provided
PSC	Not Provided
Location	New York

Description

Primary Latest Change

Summary

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

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%

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is launching the Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Development Grant Program to support the creation, expansion, and operation of workforce development programs that prepare individuals for jobs in New York's agriculture and food sectors. This initiative aims to address labor shortages and enhance skill development within these industries, which are vital to the state's economy. Work Details The program will fund various workforce development initiatives, including: 1. Developing Pathways for New Entrants: Providing formal education or experiential learning opportunities for individuals entering the agriculture or food system industries. 2. Workforce Training: Offering formal training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. 3. Retention and Up-Skilling: Implementing programs for current employees to gain new skills or knowledge for job advancement. Eligible programs include work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, job simulations, and training resulting in recognized credentials. Ineligible programs include those benefiting a single employer, located outside New York State, using funds for construction or land purchases, or not resulting in skill development. Period of Performance The contract term will not exceed three years from the start date determined upon contract execution. Applications can request funding between $50,000 and $500,000 with a minimum match requirement of 20%. Place of Performance Programs must be conducted within New York State and serve participants from the state. Bidder Requirements Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), not-for-profit educational institutions (K-12 schools and universities), municipal government entities, and public benefit corporations. Applicants must be registered and prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to submitting their application. The program has specific goals for Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation: 30% overall goal with 15% for MBE and 15% for WBE participation.

Contacts