The Watershed Agricultural Council’s (W
AC) Economic Viability (EV) Program is proud to highlight the development and launch of our new Fruit and Vegetable Expansion Pilot Grant encouraging the implementation of activities that support farmers in the NYC Watershed who are seeking to expand agricultural production of fruits and vegetables.
In April 2023, the NYC’s Mayor’s Office released the City’s Climate Action Plan titled PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done. The three main objectives are to protect from climate threats, improve quality of life, and begin to build the green economic engine. Within the pages of the plan it states, ‘create an incentive program to support farmers in the NYC Watershed who expand agricultural production of fruits and vegetables.’ In partnership with and through funding made available by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the WAC developed this new grant opportunity in direct response. Categories include:
1. Greenhouse and/or Raised Bed Expansion Reimbursement which will support activities related to expanding and/or 
starting fruit and vegetable production to increase producer viability. Eligible activities include row cover support, winter season extension projects, small tunnel projects and operational expansion related items;
2. Water Access Reimbursement which will support agricultural projects and purchases related to water management that
aim to help agricultural producers expand and/or initiate fruit and vegetable production. Eligible activities include wash station support, irrigation needs and projects that relate to heavy storm events, overall rainfall and periods of drought; and
3. Farm Structure Reimbursement which will support structural needs as related to the development of vegetable and fruit expansion of business operation. Eligible activities include insect and bird netting, deer fencing, cold storage, tables, bulk bins and crates necessary for transport and pest control.
One of the benefits of the EV Program is its ability to explore innovative methods for enhancing economic viability in the NYC Watershed. For more information about the Economic Viability Micro Grants Reimbursement Program, Business Planning Reimbursement Program or the Farms and Forest in Transition Reimbursement Program visit nycwatershed.org/economicviability.
Read more of the 2023 Annual Report here.
Program Stats:
- 63 Pure Catskills Members
- 10+ Watershed Events Attended/Sponsored
- 11 Micro Grants Approved Totaling $31,322
- 1 Farms & Forests in Transition Complete Totaling $5,000
- Micro Grants Program: Fruit and Vegetable Expansion Pilot Grant Launched 10/1/2023