Governor Hochul Reminds New York Farmers and Producers of Approac...
Governor Kathy Hochul today is reminding New York producers that the deadline to apply for the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program is approaching with applications due on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. The program, first announced in Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address, will help offset rising costs and market loss that New York farmers faced in 2025 because of federal tariff policy. Applications for dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers are available here. Farmers are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure all parts are completed and submitted by the deadline.
“I’m proud that our Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide much-needed relief to New York’s farmers who feed our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “The program application was created so it could be completed easily and without layers of burdensome paperwork, encouraging farmers to apply for the payment. I remain committed to doing what I can to support our agricultural industry and offset the impact of the Trump administration’s damaging policies.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We have seen a great response to this program from the agricultural community already, but we want to ensure that all eligible farmers are taking advantage of this opportunity. We have worked hard to make the process as easy as possible, and our website has step-by-step instructions on how to apply. With a minimum of $1,000 in direct payment up to $25,000 for eligible producers, the program is a win for our agricultural industry who can use this funding to offset the impacts from federal tariff policy.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York farmers have been hit hard by the economic consequences of the Trump administration’s senseless tariff policies, which have driven up the cost of growing our food and put undue financial strain on family farms across the state. We are committed to supporting our ag businesses and state relief is still available to help farmers offset the harmful impacts of Trump’s tariffs. I thank the Governor for making this investment a priority, and I encourage every eligible farm business to apply for these funds by the August 11 deadline.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair, Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, “I am urging members of our farm community to apply for the Tariff Relief Program. We worked hard in this year's state budget to find a way to lessen the impact of tariffs and burdensome costs on New York’s farm operators. I hope all eligible farmers will take advantage of this program; information and assistance is readily available through the Department of Ag and Markets website.”
With an estimated 20 percent of a farmer’s income on average dependent on export markets of their product, the federal tariffs instituted in 2025 and resulting market instability are creating economic hardship for New York’s agricultural producers. In addition, farmers are facing the escalating costs imposed by tariffs on essential imports like grain, feed and other inputs. More than 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports originate from countries that were subjected to U.S. tariffs, making it difficult for farmers to secure alternative sources.
The Governor’s tariff relief program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000 to eligible producers. Distribution of funds will be determined through two tracks:
- Track 1: Cow Dairy Farms
- Track 2: Livestock, Livestock Products, Specialty Crops, Aquaculture
Eligible applicants must fill out a general application, provide agricultural sales or milk production data and meet specific criteria, including:
- Applicants must have at least two-thirds of federal gross income in excess of $30,000 derived from agricultural activities, as defined by New York State Tax Law.
- Applicants must produce eligible crops within New York State.
- Eligibility and production data must be certified by a qualified financial professional.
- All applicants must provide a complete substitute W-9 form, necessary for payment.
- Dairy farm applicants must sign a records release form, allowing confirmation of milk production data.
Only complete applications will be considered for payment. The application and detailed instructions on how to apply, including a webinar, are available on the Department’s webpage.
Governor Hochul made protecting New York farmers from the disruption of federal tariffs a priority in her 2026 State of the State and 2026-27 Executive Budget. The final Enacted Budget included the full allocation of $30 million to provide some relief to farmers impacted by federal tariffs, reinforcing New York’s commitment to the agricultural community while safeguarding local jobs and ensuring farmers have the certainty needed to compete in a changing global marketplace.
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