Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program

The Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. It was introduced as part of the Governor’s 2026 State of the State address in response to economic challenges faced by New York farmers due to federal tariff policies that impacted agricultural markets in 2025. The program is designed to provide direct financial relief to agricultural producers who experienced increased costs and market disruptions. Through the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Budget, a total of 30 million dollars was allocated to support eligible farms across the state. The primary purpose of the program is to stabilize farm operations by offering direct payments that can be used to offset revenue losses and rising operational expenses. Funding is distributed through two distinct tracks based on the type of agricultural production. Track 1 is designated for cow dairy farms and is based on the volume of milk produced in 2025, while Track 2 applies to livestock, livestock products, specialty crops, and aquaculture operations, with awards determined based on adjusted gross farm revenue from eligible production. Payments range from a minimum of 1000 dollars to a maximum of 25000 dollars per legal business entity, regardless of participation in one or both tracks. Eligible applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for funding. Farms must have been operational in 2025 and remain active at the time of application, with ongoing agricultural production in New York State. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that at least two-thirds of their federal gross income exceeding 30000 dollars is derived from agricultural activities. This financial eligibility must be certified by a qualified third-party financial professional such as a CPA, CFP, or tax preparer with a valid identification number. The program is inclusive of various agricultural sectors but excludes certain row crops that are already covered under other federal assistance programs. The application process requires submission of multiple components. All applicants must complete Part A online, which captures general business and production or revenue information. For dairy farms, additional documentation includes Part B for production data, Part C for taxpayer identification, and Part D authorizing record release from milk cooperatives or processors. For other farm types, Part B focuses on revenue certification and Part C collects tax information. Each part requires attestations, some of which must be notarized, and financial certification is mandatory for validating income eligibility and reported figures. Applications are accepted within a defined window and must be fully completed by the stated deadline to be considered. After submission, the Department reviews all applications for eligibility and processes payments accordingly. The evaluation process is administrative in nature, focusing on compliance with eligibility requirements, accuracy of reported data, and verification through third-party certification and supporting documentation. There is no competitive scoring; instead, funding is allocated based on qualifying criteria and program rules. The program timeline for the current cycle opens on June 29, 2026 and closes on August 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm. All required application components must be submitted by this deadline. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted. Following the deadline, the Department conducts eligibility reviews and processes payments to approved applicants. The program does not explicitly state a performance period, as funds are intended for immediate financial relief rather than long-term project implementation. Applicants seeking assistance or clarification can contact the program through a dedicated help desk phone line or email address. The Department also provides additional resources including guidance documents, webinars, and frequently asked questions to support applicants through the process. While the program appears to be a targeted response to specific economic conditions, it may be repeated in future years depending on policy and budget decisions, although no formal recurrence schedule is specified.