Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program to support the continued development and modernization of fairgrounds across the state. This program is designed to strengthen the role of county and local agricultural fairs as community hubs that promote agriculture, domestic arts, and rural economic activity. By providing targeted funding for infrastructure improvements, the Department aims to enhance both visitor experiences and exhibitor participation while ensuring that fairgrounds remain safe, functional, and attractive public spaces. The primary purpose of the program is to fund capital improvements that directly support agricultural exhibitions and fair operations. Eligible projects include construction, renovation, rehabilitation, installation, acquisition, repair, or replacement of buildings, equipment, and facilities used to house or promote agriculture. The program also supports upgrades to essential systems such as water, restrooms, septic systems, and stormwater management infrastructure. These investments are intended to improve operational efficiency, increase accessibility, and maintain compliance with environmental and safety standards. Funding is available to qualified entities that operate agricultural fairs, specifically agricultural or horticultural corporations and county extension service associations that sponsor annual fairs or expositions and receive premium reimbursements under New York State law. Applicants must also demonstrate prior participation in the program by having an executed contract or approved work plan and budget from a previous award cycle before they are eligible to apply for new funding. This requirement ensures that applicants have successfully completed or are managing prior funded projects in accordance with program expectations. The program offers grant awards ranging from ten thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars per project, with a total program funding pool of over one and a half million dollars. Funds may be used for direct project costs such as salaries and wages, contractor services, equipment, facility acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and legal services related to project completion. However, certain costs are explicitly ineligible, including indirect or overhead costs, fringe benefits, vehicle purchases requiring registration, and expenses incurred prior to award approval. Projects such as parking facilities and signage are also excluded from funding consideration. Applicants are required to submit a complete Work Plan and Budget using official templates provided by the Department. Submissions must be sent electronically to the designated program email address with a specified subject line. In addition to submitting application materials, organizations must be registered in the State Financial System Vendor Portal and, if applicable, complete a prequalification process that includes organizational and financial documentation. These administrative requirements are necessary to ensure compliance with state grant management procedures and to verify applicant eligibility. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for completeness and eligibility, with awards granted in the order that qualifying submissions are received. If multiple applications are deemed eligible at the same time and funding is limited, a lottery system may be used to determine award recipients. Successful applicants enter into a formal contract with the state, with a standard performance period extending from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2030. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, with the possibility of an initial advance payment and final payment contingent upon submission of required reports. Throughout the contract period, awardees must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly progress reports, reimbursement documentation, and a final report summarizing project outcomes. Additional compliance requirements include maintaining insurance coverage, adhering to state contracting rules, and supporting participation goals for minority- and women-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The program reflects a broader state commitment to sustaining agricultural traditions while investing in infrastructure that supports long-term community engagement and economic vitality.

Submit early since awards are first come first served; ensure complete and compliant Work Plan and Budget to avoid delays or disqualification