The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) announced that it is funding 21 projects at a total of $1,539,324 in 2015. Grant recipients seek to build and share practical knowledge that directly improves the economic viability of New York’s farmers. “Our increased funding from New York State allowed us to support more projects, and a wider range of projects.” said Jim Bittner, Chair of the Board of Directors of NYFVI and owner of Bittner-Singer Orchards.
In order to ensure grants address on-the-ground priorities, all proposals were evaluated by NYFVI’s extensive farmer review network. The Institute’s volunteer board or directors, comprised of ten farmers from across the state, made the final funding decisions.
Many of the projects are of horticultural interest, including:
- Cornell Onion Thrips Management Program (COTMP) Saves Money and Reduces Insecticide Resistance
- Managing an Emerging Threat: Ambrosia Beetle Black Stem Borer Control in Apple Nurseries
- Sustainable Management of Root Weevil Populations for Improved Profitability on Eastern NY Berry Farms
- Low Tunnel Strawberries: A Cost-Effective Approach to Extending the Growing Season for NY Berries.
- Increasing the Efficacy and Economic Viability of Trap and Kill Systems for Invasive Pests
- Assessing the Impact of Pesticides on Honey Bee Health
- Using Cover Crops to Improve Soil Heath and Vine Productivity in Concord Vineyards
- Equipping Apple Growers to Quantify the Role of Native Bees in Pollination
- Integrating Spatial Maps to use Variable Rate Technology in Mechanized Concord Vineyards
- Engaging Growers for NY Production of Chinese Medicinal Herbs
- Marketing Plans to Help NYC Greenmarket Farmers Build Sales
- Greenhouse Assistance Directory