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A 10878

Establishes farm security resiliency grant awards for farm employers who have suffered eligible losses as a result of eligible weather conditions or events

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 10 co-sponsors

Establishes a Farm Security Resiliency Grant Program providing up to 50% of uninsured losses, capped at $150,000 yearly, to help NY farm employers recover from eligible weather imp

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 10878

Bill overview

  • Bill: A 10878 (New York)
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Title: Establishes farm security resiliency grant awards for farm employers who have suffered eligible losses as a result of eligible weather conditions or events
  • Sponsor/Introducers: Primary sponsor Michael Cashman and several co-sponsors
  • Status: Introduced April 8, 2026; referred to the Committee on Agriculture

Purpose and intent

The bill creates a new program within the New York Agriculture and Markets Law to provide grant funding to farm employers that have experienced substantial financial losses or increased costs due to eligible weather conditions or events. The program aims to promote farm security and resiliency by offsetting uninsured or uncovered losses, supporting disaster response, recovery, and continuity of farming operations.

Key provisions and changes

New program structure (Article 26-D)

  • Establishes the Farm Security Resiliency Grant Board within the Department of Agriculture and Markets to advise on program administration and improvements.

Definitions

  • Eligible weather conditions: Includes high winds, excessive moisture/precipitation (hail, flooding, heavy snowfall), drought, extreme temperatures (heat or freeze), widespread fire, and any other severe condition determined by the board to impact agricultural income.
  • Eligible losses: Encompasses income loss, costs incurred from losses, debt payments, replanting costs, livestock feed costs, infrastructure/equipment repair or replacement, farm/ access road repair costs, and other losses as determined by the commissioner in consultation with the review board.
  • Farm employer: Broad definition covering corporations (including NYS corporations), sole proprietorships, LLCs, or partnerships whose principal business is farming.

Board composition and governance

  • Seven-member board:
    • Commissioner or designee
    • Commissioner of Homeland Security or designee
    • Three representatives from agricultural organizations with technical/advocacy experience
    • Two current farmers
  • Terms: Three years; staggered terms with potential reappointment
  • Quorum: Majority of members
  • Meetings: At least quarterly; additional meetings as needed

Application process and administration

  • The commissioner will develop an application form and process for grant requests.
  • Required application information includes:
    • Description of damage
    • Attestation of eligible weather condition
    • Estimate of eligible losses with documentation
    • Year-end farm income/expenses (Schedule F IRS Form 1040) for the previous year
    • Documentation of other funds sought or received (e.g., insurance)
  • Applications may be submitted at any time; processed in order of receipt
  • Funds are limited to the amount appropriated for the year

Grant awards

  • The commissioner must decide on each application within 30 calendar days after receiving a complete application.
  • The commissioner may modify requested grant amounts.
  • Grants available to farm employers with substantial financial losses or increased expenses due to eligible weather conditions, within the appropriated budget.
  • Federal/state tax treatment and timing: Grants are to be distributed timely and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Reimbursement cap: Grants may reimburse up to 50% of uninsured or uncovered eligible losses, with a maximum award of $150,000 per applicant per year.
  • Denial communications: If an application is not approved, the commissioner must provide a written explanation.

Reporting

  • Annual report due by April 1 each year to the Governor and Legislature.
  • Report contents include:
    • Total grants awarded in the previous year
    • Application statistics (number of applications received and approved)
    • Recommendations for improving program accessibility and operation

Who would be affected

  • Farm employers across New York that suffered eligible losses or increased costs due to eligible weather conditions or events.
  • Agricultural organizations and farm associations through advisory participation on the board.
  • The Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (through coordination and administration).

Timing and procedural notes

  • Effective date: Ninety days after the act becomes law.
  • Implementation underway via regulatory and administrative processes following enactment, including:
    • Establishment of the Farm Security Resiliency Grant Board
    • Development of application forms and procedures
    • Allocation of appropriated funds for the grant year
  • Annual reporting requirement begins after the first full grant year

Potential impact and considerations

  • Provides financial relief to farmers facing uninsured losses from extreme weather and other severe conditions.
  • Establishes a defined framework for eligibility, documentation, and scrutiny to reduce fraud and ensure program accountability.
  • Caps and timelines are designed to balance speed of aid with program integrity (30-day review, 50% reimbursement with a $150,000 annual cap).
  • Annual reporting will offer transparency and opportunities to adjust program design for accessibility and effectiveness.

If needed, I can add a brief comparison with similar existing programs in New York or outline potential oversight considerations for implementing agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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